A Mother’s Heart
A Mother’s Heart
Next week, we will observe Veterans Day. I am married to an Army veteran who served with pride and understood the possible consequences of serving for his country. Unfortunately, this year, the toll of a war has been on my mind quite often. Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for our veterans. The holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was originally called Armistice Day. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" to account for all veterans of all wars. We honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. When first celebrated as Armistice Day, the day marked the end of World War I, formally recognized on the “11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month” in 1918.
When our son was a senior in high school, he contemplated joining the Army. It was a crossroads for me. The American in me was proud of his desire to serve, but the mom in me was struggling and definitely against it. I am ashamed of my selfish need to keep him home, but sometimes, a mother's heart can get in the way. He didn't enlist, and I am embarrassed to say I was very thankful. Unfortunately, mothers around the world are dealing with the realities of war right now.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, had to endure a heart-wrenching event that no mother should have to experience: her son's crucifixion. Her pain must have been unimaginable. She not only witnessed her son die, but she witnessed the horror of the manner of His death. She knew deeply and intimately of His perfection and innocence. Mary saw Him humiliated and His dignity destroyed as the soldiers stripped Him naked and cast lots for His clothing. As a mother, I don’t know how she survived the pain.
We know the disciples could not depend on themselves to survive the trials and persecution they would soon endure. Instead, they would have to rely entirely on Jesus and everything He had taught them while living and ministering with them. Amid the storms of life in a dark and fallen world, inner peace is only possible through a relationship with Jesus Christ. He explained how they could endure the troubles of this life: "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world."
I pray during this unrest around the world, people will lean on Christ even more. I worry that those without a relationship with Him will blame Christ for everything wrong. The word blame means "to find fault with." Blaming God implies that He messed up and that there is a fault to be found in Him. When we blame God, we make ourselves His judge and jury. We are mere human beings and have no right to pass judgment on Him. We are His creation; He is not ours.
Please pray for peace in this world. We are all children of God!
Blessings,
Peggy Zumhofe
Executive Pastor
