Good mothers: Women of virtue and character.

Women of virtue, character

GOOD MOTHERS possess the power to turn negatives into positives and uplift in the most challenging situations – they can change the course of a nation.

BUILDERS

Good mothers build their foundations on the Word and prayer. They are strong, especially for their children and their husbands. They would never teach disrespect – instead, they teach the value of honour and the importance of respect. They teach their children the value of forgiveness. They teach their children – especially their daughters – how to be independent and the value of a good education. Many mothers have told their daughters never to go out (especially on a date) without having their own money so they won’t be held at ransom or left stranded.

Good mothers share with their children the things they have learnt through both good and bad experiences. They teach both daughters and sons how to manage their household; and when doing household chores, they do it with a song of encouragement.

Good mothers teach their children how to prepare their meals instead of living on fast food. They always have something baked and put aside as a treat. Good mothers teach their children that clothes and shoes are not what determine their beauty, but that beauty lies within. They teach them the importance of dressing well/ appropriately, and that how they carry themselves indicates their level of self-respect.

TEACHERS

Good mothers teach their children proper values and attitudes. They teach their sons not to become womanisers and drunkards because it will affect their judgement, particularly if they enter the judicial and political arenas. They teach them to walk as kings.

Good mothers, by example, don’t take sides in a dispute or compromise with their children when they are wrong. They encourage their children, and by extension their husbands, to live up to their responsibilities when children are born out of infidelity or wedlock. Good mothers teach their children the importance of marriage and the dangers of common-law relationship and how it leads to poverty and disrespect. They will also exercise the gift of giving as an example to their children to do the same.

Good mothers understand creative financing and know how to turn one dollar into a hundred dollars. So they teach their children, especially by example, how to be industrious and that instead of putting all their eggs in one basket, they should have multiple streams of income and the value of saving. A good mother always has something set aside ‘under the mattress’ for a rainy day, and teaches her children to do the same.

DISCERNERS

Good mothers are discerners. They warn their children against making wrong choices, particularly in relationships, and will show tough love when they are disrespected. Yet, they are quick to forgive when there is repentance. They understand what it is to make sacrifices by putting their family’s welfare ahead of their own. Both Church and nation are now feeling the effects of not having enough good mothers to teach the value of holiness and living a consecrated lifestyle.

WISE

In times of adversity, good mothers know how to comfort; and many times they will say, “God will make a way”. They will not cease to stand with their children until they see the breakthrough. They possess the fruit of the Spirit and will not tolerate gossip or malice among their children. They teach their children anger management and faith to fight for their dreams. They know the art of speaking positive words.

I believe that the community, civic society and government should identify and recognise good mothers within the society and allow them the opportunity also to pass on their experiences to other mothers. Local filmmakers and theatre personnel need to bring out more material that highlights the value of good mothers and honour them as well.