February is known for Valentine’s Day, which is most closely associated with romance, or romantic love. But today let’s talk about something else—a mother’s love.
I lost my 34-year-old son last month to a sudden and unexpected illness. He lived only a few hours after the ambulance got him to the hospital. No warning, no discernible symptoms. I’m sure I don’t need to describe how much this has affected his family, from his wife, his and her parents and grandparents, his sister and her family, and all of those in between.
When Jesus as an infant was presented in the Temple, His mother was told by the prophet Simeon that “a sword shall pierce your soul.” Whatever the precise meaning of that statement—most likely none of us will ever see our son being scourged, tortured, and crucified—it’s an accurate description of the feeling of a mother who has lost her child, or a person who has lost a spouse.
I want this post to also reflect a spouse’s love, which is romantic in addition to a parent’s kind of love. A father’s love can be just as deep as a mother’s, but there is a difference. A mother carries her child in her body, and there is a bond there that can never be equaled or broken. A mother has her memories—a spouse has hers or his, and these can be even more sharp and painful. He or she may have to continue to live in the place where their loved one lived and they acted out their lives together. That shirt hanging across a chair is a reminder of when it was last worn; those shoes are right where they were kicked off; that toothpaste tube with its cap off is there by the bathroom sink …
What do we do with this unspeakable sorrow? I’m reminded of this verse:
“Likewise the Holy Spirit also helps in our weaknesses…the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26.
ASK FOR DIVINE ASSISTANCE
Even Jesus, the Son of God, needed His Father’s help in the Garden of Gethsemane to bear what was about to happen to Him. His disciples failed him and fell asleep. So, like Him, you are not alone. He knows the intense stress you’re going through. Don’t hesitate to ask for His help. I’ve been so blessed to have friends and church members support and pray for us, but sometimes this doesn’t happen and you feel deserted, neglected, alone. You may feel that no one could possibly understand what you’re experiencing. Just remember that Jesus understands and wants to help you if you will seek Him.
PRAYER FOR WOMEN AND MOTHERS, AND A PRAYER FOR COMFORT
Click the link below to read the short article by CBN’s Maria Schleicher:
https://cbn.com/devotions/leaving-legacy-your-role-mother
THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER TOLD…
Click the link below to read the short article by CBN’s Marissa Nordlum:
https://cbn.com/devotions/gods-intentional-love
WHEN A WOMAN TRUSTS GOD
Click the link below to read the full article by Sheila Walsh, author, speaker, worship leader, television talk show host, and Bible teacher.
https://cbn.com/article/not-selected/sheila-walsh-when-woman-trusts-god
“NEVER DOUBT GOD’S LOVE FOR YOU”
“You are so precious that Jesus was willing to sacrifice his life for you.
This statement emphasizes that God’s love for humanity is so immense that he sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross as an ultimate act of love and sacrifice, signifying the incredible value each person holds in God’s eyes.”
Key points:
- Unconditional Love: The core message is that God’s love is not dependent on our actions or worthiness, it is simply a gift given freely.
- Jesus’ Sacrifice: The act of Jesus dying on the cross is seen as the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for humanity.
- Personal Value: This statement reminds individuals that they are individually cherished and valued by God.”
This is an AI generated summary of an article by CBN’s president and CEO, Gordon Robertson. I couldn’t find a link to the actual article, which was apparently part of a teaching series. If you get CBN’s newsletter, Frontlines, it’s on the back page of the February 2025 edition. Excellent article. It’s titled “Love: the key to miracles.”
OTHER HAPPENINGS THIS MONTH
February 17 – President’s Day Click for the Wikipedia article.
Celebrates the birthdays of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and others. It is a federal holiday.
PLANE CRASHES
As I was writing this I learned of the horrific plane crash of January 29th. Besides the loss of 67 souls (at last count)…there are the 67 mothers, 67 fathers, and 67 families affected by this tragedy. Two days later another plane crashed over the city of Philadelphia, killing at least seven people, among them a young girl who had just completed treatment at the Shriners’ hospital there and her mother, and injuring many others.
I see this kind of thing differently now. I would think, “how awful” and say a prayer for the survivors, if any, and for the families of the victims. Then soon it would be out of my mind and some other situation would take its place. Now I identify with the visceral pain of losing a loved one in such a sudden and unexpected way. It’s not enough to just mourn those who died. May we remember to pray fervently for all those who suffer!
Click the link below for the video: How Tragedies Challenge Faith in a Good God
https://cbn.com/video/how-tragedies-challenge-faith-good-god
Click the link below for the full article: Eternity Is What Matters’: Man Reflects on Life, Faith of DC Plane Crash Victims
Eternity Is What Matters’: Man Reflects on Life, Faith of DC Plane Crash Victims
BIBLE VERSES
GOD’S LOVE
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10.
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Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35;37-39.
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… that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Unto him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Ephesians 3:17-21.
BLESSED ASSURANCE
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1.
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But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. I Thessalonians 4:13.
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For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16.
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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18.
REST
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29-30.
