Years ago, there was a made for TV movie about Mary, the mother of Jesus. While Hollywood made its impact on the story, there was something positive about the movie that really stuck with me. When it was time for Jesus to start his ministry, he asked his mother, “But what will I teach?”
And she replied, “Start with the stories you grew up with, the stories I told you.”
So where did Jesus get his parables? Were they divinely guided? Of course they were, but who is to say they weren’t divinely guided generations before Jesus, so that the foundation of his life became the anchor for his ministry?
I think of the stories and rituals we shared with our own daughters when they were growing up. I see pieces of those meaningful stories and events play out in their lives today. I have to laugh when my own parental wisdom comes back to me from my daughters as they encourage me through challenges I face.
What we teach our children goes way beyond the stories we tell, the celebrations we create, and memories we make. Who we are at the core of our being teaches our children how to live their own lives.
Mary and Joseph raised Jesus and gave him the roots that allowed him to move into his own ministry.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, it is a good time to remember Mary as one we can pray to when our own children are struggling and we want them to be held in God’s love. Being a parent ultimately calls for us to release our children into the world and into God’s protective care.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the beautiful women who nurture us and surround the world with love.
Be sure to check out our selection of art depicting Mary.
A Special Gift: Use the code “mom10” to receive a discount on your next online order. Use by May 24, 2015.