“For you created my innermost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139: 13 – 14
God created us in His perfect image, but we are not perfect people. We strive to be good fathers, mothers, children, sisters, brothers… but we fall short. In this talk at the Ransomed Heart Ministries 2013 Men’s Retreat, Stasi Eldredge explores the ways we’ve been impacted by our mothers. The main roles of a mother are to nurture us, protect us, empower us, and eventually let us explore the world on our own. However, when our mothers do not follow through in each of these areas, it can affect us in almost every aspect of our lives. Furthermore, if these mother wounds are unnoticed or ignored, we cannot heal.
A mother’s love can define our self-worth, present the model of a Christian woman, and shape the way we interact with and care for each other. In this talk we explore the importance of honoring our mother and father while accepting the truth of our upbringing and how our parents can affect more than we think. We are loved, valued, and seen by God. If we did not experience this from our mothers, then forgiveness is the only way to move past the hurt and confusion we experienced as sons and daughters. We forgive our mothers for their sake, but for ours as well. Through this process of acceptance and forgiveness, God heals us.
Intro, Video Resource, and Conclusion Playlist:
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How have your mother wounds affected your relationships?
- What are the mother figures that God has brought into your life?
- What are some ways God has encouraged healing within you?
This Week’s Worship Music:
“Goodness of God” by Bethel Music
“King of My Heart” by Kutless
“One Thing Remains” by Jesus Culture