It is Mother’s Day, a time of joy or trial. As a bridge of hope, consider this mother—a living profile of godliness who had an impact upon society through faith and motherhood.
To begin, Hannah’s devotion shines like a beacon of light in a dark and weary land. Israel was in a moral decline, yet Hannah faithfully traveled with her husband to Shiloh every year to worship and offer sacrifice to the Lord (1 Sam. 1:3-4).
Although Hannah lived in a spiritually cold generation, her humility and trust shone through in prayer. In personal suffering, she worshipped her heart out, pointing to God’s omnipotence as the Deliverer of her distress. Her relationship with the Lord was one of beauty and intimacy (1 Sam. 1:10-13).
Hannah’s prayer was answered, and she became a mother. But to keep her vow, she sent Samuel away to train at a young age in the tabernacle. Hannah’s response in a time of difficulty was filled with a thankful song exulting God in His holiness, goodness, sovereignty, power, and wisdom (1 Sam. 2). Hannah’s high view and love for God had a lasting influence for generations. May her example give us encouragement and hope.
Motherhood is no small thing. Tamera Nickerson, receptionist at TMU, says, “Being a mom has been one of the biggest blessings in my life and it has been one of the most challenging adventures.”
As a way of honoring the women in our community who have committed themselves to this adventure, we asked some students, faculty, and staff to talk about their wives and mothers.
Prof. Matt Green, Associate Professor of Communication: “Selfless, supportive, and loving are the first three words that come to mind when I think about my wife. The old saying, ‘you over married,’ has never been more true than in my situation. I have been blest by the Lord with a best friend who has encouraged me towards holiness. I love you, babe!”
Dr. Kurt Hild, Professor of English: “I was really puzzled over what I could say in a few words about Tammi, and I’m concluding that absorbing life with her has become such a part of who I am that succinctness presents a major challenge. I think what I most admire is how the gospel has transformed her and is sanctifying her. When we first met, she was a new believer, but she was still significantly influenced by the 70s spirit of rebellion. As Christ continued to work on her, she became (without any challenge from me) an Ephesians 5/1 Peter 3 submissive wife with such a discerning mind and heart. Then, I watched how the Lord made her into a biblical mother to our son. She’s not perfection, but she is a testimony to how the gospel sanctifies someone into a godly woman, wife, and mother.”
Dr. John Street, Chair Professor of Biblical Counseling: “My sweet wife has always lived out and instructed other younger wives, especially those who are married to men in ministry, that their main ministry is first and foremost to their husband and children. It must be their greatest priority! There is no greater service of Christ than a godly woman and mother in the Christian home. As Charles Spurgeon has aptly said, ‘Those who think that a woman detained at home by her little family is doing nothing, think the reverse of what is true. Scarcely can the godly mother quit her home for a place of worship; but dream not that she is lost to the work of the church; far from it, she is doing the best possible service for her Lord. Mothers, the godly training of your offspring is your first and most pressing duty.’ Mother’s Day is a great opportunity for young mothers today to refocus their priorities on what is truly important!”
Jeff Miller, Director of Graduate Studies: “Kristen is truly the greatest mother to our boys – greater than I could have ever hoped or imagined! She has taken on a mindset of desiring to teach our boys what they should be looking for in a godly woman. This has become pervasive throughout her daily nurturing and training of our boys. They are constantly picking flowers for her and showering her with kisses. I have to reiterate to the boys regularly that they “have to find their own girl!” We have a lot of fun in our little family and mommy is always the center of
it! Next to my salvation in Christ, Kristen truly is my most treasured gift on this planet and one, God knows – I do not deserve. She is my best friend and the love of my life and I have often said — I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her!”
Ryan Zamroz, Development Officer: “Stacy’s kindness, sweetness, and purity bring a warmth to our home that’s evident. She serves our family diligently and joyfully. I’m so thankful for the love, encouragement and care she constantly provides me and our children with. There are so many characteristics about her that I love, but the one that has continued to inspire and challenge me the most over the years is her heart’s disdain for sin and her great desire to please the Lord in all she does.”
Lexi Carroll, TMU senior: “My mom [Kathy Carroll, administrative assistant at TMU] is absolutely amazing. She loves the students so well. She is always thinking of ways to make students more comfortable at Master’s. Having been at Master’s for several years, she never loses joy in working with the professors and students around campus. As a person, she is loving and
friendly, always looking for an opportunity to serve those around her. As her daughter, I’m learning a lot from her example in caring for others.”
Mark Bolen, TMU senior: “I have been inspired by my mom’s patience and self-sacrifice. I strive to be as patient with difficult people as she is. She excels at loving others and is always willing to fill a need that arises. I am thankful for her compassionate and encouraging spirit. She has been very important in helping me get through difficult times and think through big decisions. I love my mom!”
