It always happens. . . We Mothers start building up our savings and something comes along to take it away. But most often, the need is for those around us, especially our own children.
Godly Mothers and Fathers often make a subconscious vow when they start a family. The vow is one of poverty. This means they pledge to spend the majority of their money on the needs of their children. ("Needs" not "Wants.")
We never see these kinds of mothers in costly array, or in fine homes. We don't see them shopping idly in boutiques, or dining in elegant restaurants. These mothers use their material resources to care for the poor, and the needy, even if that is often their (old or young) children.
Old Time Mothers in Poverty would scrimp and save and find ways to make sure their children had decent shoes, nutritious foods and a humble home.
When money came in and was saved for a rainy day, Mother was delighted to have the cash to feed a hungry, weary soul, who had entered her cozy parlour to take a break from the painful world.
All money that is used for selfish needs, all health that is consumed to glorify self, all worries of reputation fall by the wayside for the godly mothers. She seeks not her own gratifications.
The vow of poverty is not a promise to live a destitute life. It is a pledge to use all that goes through her hands, to bless and encourage those around her.
If I pledge my "wealth" and my "health" and my "reputation" for the ministry of my own family and for those that come through my door, I have made a vow of poverty for the Lord.
This means I will spend on that which is eternal. I will find a way to serve despite my health issues. I will not care what others say or think of me, but only care of the view from God's eyes.
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
What Would Happen? - If I Visit You at the Dinner Hour.
We Need to Be Here - As Sorrowful Yet Always Rejoicing at Home.
Please Don't be One of These - Bossy Wives.
8 comments:
Love this post! I must admit that occasionally I feel selfish and wonder when it will be "my turn". However, today you reminded me that all is for the glory of God. When I bless my family and others in the name of the Lord, I am allowing Him to use me to do His will.
Thanks for the encouragement,
Mrs.B
Thank you and God bless you for this wise encouragement. I am new to your blog, but am appreciating your insights and the articulate reminders of deep spiritual truths. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
Such a great post! Reminds me how when I was a kid my mom always used her birthday money to buy stuff for the kids. Now that I am a mom when I get birthday money (or any other extra money), I always want to spend it on my children too. How we spend money is a reflection of our hearts, so it only makes sense that mothers who love their children will want to spend their money on them, or their families. Lovely encouraging post! I hope and pray you are doing well.
This was a powerful post. We serve an Inner City Mission where we see extreme Poverty. Mother's are the same they want to make sure their family had a place to live and food to eat. The spiritual side is also important; so helping them reach out to God is so important. Thanks for this post and blessings to you!
I can really relate to this. This time of year is always lean for us finance wise because of the children's many needs. I have grown accustomed to that, so it doesn't bother me. What does seem to bother me right now would be defined as a "poverty of time". My children are of the age now where their activities and obligations take us away from home a lot. It is very hard for me, as I am a homebody. I enjoy my homemaking and rarely go out on my own. Being away from my nest grates on my soul. I try to remind myself that this is just a season and it will pass, but it isn't always easy.
My Mother had the same coat most all my growing up years. It was worn but clean. She really needed a new one but year after year someone else really needed something more and she kept the coat. We each now have a button from that very coat and it a a precious memory for us of a Mother's love. My husband's Grandmother was also very special. she taught me as a young homemaker how to keep a sweet home on very little money. Using a drawer pull if a used pot lid did not have a handle. How to remake a pair of men's slacks into slacks for my son, or a women's blouse into a dress for our daughter. How to cook all the basics of life. I loved her so. I still do. She had so little herself but always had time and skills to share. Sarah
This is a perfect post. I agree!
I am blessed and encouraged by your wisdom. Thank you for putting my life basically into words. I am a mother of 5 as well. God Bless your ministry to mothers everwhere.
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