Dear Church of the Open Door family,

I just have to confess some jealousy I experience when I find out that my children are going to my wife and not to me on certain issues of life.

Why aren’t they asking me first? Why aren’t they sharing that struggle or sorrow with me? What does she have that I don’t? Well as it turns out, quite a bit.

The Apostle Paul knew the power and influence of mothers. He also knew God created motherhood; it was God’s idea from the beginning (Gen. 1:27) and through the faith of mothers, He has transformed this world.

In 2 Timothy, Paul reminds young Timothy of the transforming power of his mother and grandmother’s love for Christ that trumped his father’s inadequacy (Acts 16:3, 2 Tim. 3:14-15).

Paul says in 2 Timothy 1:5:

I recall your sincere faith that was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you.

Paul continues in 2 Timothy 3:14-17:

You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you (his mother and grandmother) and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

Timothy was capable and equipped for every good work because he accepted the same faith that was “alive” in his grandmother and mother.

Today, many of us stand where we do because we have stood on the shoulders of mothers and grandmothers whose faith and prayers were “alive” – they’ve equipped us and given us vision for every good work that God had prepared for us.

On behalf of all the sons and daughters in this community, thank you mothers for filling us with the truth of Scripture, with grace and mercy, with thousands of prayers of intercession and with the true hope found only in Jesus Christ.

God bless our moms every day, and especially on this Mother’s Day!

Much love,

David Anderson

P.S. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to encourage the mom in your life to take time to be refreshed and renewed. Visit our website for details on our upcoming Women’s Retreat in September. Let her know about this great opportunity!

P.S.S. Let us help you thank your mom this weekend. Send us a favorite photo of you with your mom, or post it on your social media with #thanksmom. We’ll share it!