Mama's Boy

Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.

-- Genesis 3:20     

Are you a mama's boy (or girl)? 

It's not necessary a bad thing. In fact, many great leaders had a close relationship with their mothers and credited them for their success. For instance, Sam Houston, one of the founding fathers of Texas, needed his mother's permission to join the army because he was not yet 21. Elizabeth Houston agreed to Sam's request and gave him a musket and a gold ring. The ring was inscribed with the word honor--the attribute she hoped would forever be a part of her son's life. Sam Houston wore this precious ring until his death. 

Then there was the mother of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt ("FDR"). Her name was Sara Roosevelt, and she was a woman described as a "strong-willed widow who wasn't about to give up her hold on her only child." She made Franklin wear a dress until he was five-years-old. When he left home to attend Harvard, his mother followed him to college and moved to Boston. And after FDR's marriage to his fourth cousin, his mother bought the newlyweds a fine home in New York City--and then moved in to run the household! It was years later that FDR's wife, Eleanor, wrote, ''...you were never quite sure when (my mother-in-law) would appear, day or night.''

Maybe Sara Roosevelt took her role as a mother just a bit too far. But the devoted FDR would do almost anything for her. And when Sara died in 1941, the grieving president wore a black armband to signify his deep mourning and affection. Perhaps FDR's old-fashioned attitude can teach us a thing or two about appreciating our mothers and their irreplaceable role in our lives.

With the traditional family under attack from "progressive" thinkers, Hollywood celebrities and the so-called cultural elite, it's God's Word--the Bible--that once again proves to be our source of truth about the strength and value of motherhood. Where would our society be without strong mothers teaching the next generation to walk in God's ways? It's through the examples of good mothers that we learn about compassion, character, work ethic and faith.

King Lemuel shared his observations on the topic through the Old Testament book of Proverbs :

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

These were words of wisdom and truth centuries ago--and they still are for Christ-followers today. So maybe there's something to be said these days for being a mama's boy...or girl.