Mike Walsh

The Bible tells us in Romans 13:7 to give honor to whom honor is due! This is always a great way to live and a great thing to remember! In my ministry, I have always done my best to honor those who have served well. Today is May 7, on this day in 1933 my mother was born in a little tiny house out on the prairie of Central, South Dakota. I think nine people lived in this little house; I grew up hearing lots of stories. My mother went to be with Jesus in September of 2018, but her life impacted so many people. Generations were impacted through her sacrificial life and her high standard of godly living. I am a child of God today because I had a mother who loved me and was committed to teaching me the truth about who God is. We celebrate Mother’s Day every year and we try to do something nice for the mother of our children, or for our own mom. It is an important day!

Over the past few years I have seen what mothers do in a whole different way. We have a daughter of our own and two daughters-in-law. We are so grateful for their commitment and dedication, each of them has three children. And I have really seen how they give up their own comfort for the comfort of their children. Our youngest son’s oldest daughter was born with full blown leukemia and we watched what they went through in the children’s hospitals; it took years of sacrificial care, doctor appointments and staying up all night so our granddaughter could be at peace. She recovered and is in full remission today! If we all stop and think about what our wives and mother’s do and have done for our children and us, we should be so thankful and give honor to them. 

In the book of 2 Timothy we see the apostle Paul seeing the truth that Timothy was who he was because of his mother and grandmother. 2 Timothy 1:5, talking to Timothy, Paul wrote, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. Paul was simply recognizing the fact that Timothy’s faith came from his faithful grandma who taught her daughter, who taught Timothy. What a great legacy to leave behind, that your children will be with you in eternity because a faithful mother did what God called her to do and she obeyed. I always say, “Kids learning about the Lord doesn’t happen by osmosis, it happens when we are intentional.” I want to encourage all of us to teach our children well, to go the extra mile to make sure our kids see a good example and that we take them to church and teach them the truth every chance we get. 

Thank you mothers for all you do, for your commitment and your love! We honor you this weekend!

(Mike Walsh is the pastor at Glad Tidings Assembly of God.)