Mothers as Heroes
Mothers as Heroes
Proverbs 31:10,27
Why not take this weekend, Mother’s Day, to think about the many ways that your mom or grandmother is a true hero? Consider the good she has done for you and your family, for her church, and community over the years. She may not chase down and eliminate Taliban terrorists with a vengeance on a one-of-a-kind, special ops mission, but she has displayed consistent sacrifice, ongoing selfless courage, and enduring love for you, your siblings, and for the wounded and hurting in the church and community. Isn’t she a hero, too?
The Wife as Hero in Proverbs 31:10, 27
Heroes—those who have done extraordinarily good for God’s people--can be found beyond the boundaries of the battlefield. Heroes can be found at home, at church, maybe even in your home or in your church.
The author of Proverbs, rowing upstream against the current of the culture of his day, was unafraid to elevate women to the status of national hero. You read that right. Let me show you.
He presented the valiant wife in 31:10-31 as the primary breadwinner in the family, a heroic entrepreneur in the marketplace, calling her “eshet hayil” (“valiant woman”) in the opening line (v. 10) and again near the conclusion, a bookend (v. 29). Hayil, “valiant,” was associated with Israel’s mighty warriors, the soldiers and officers who distinguished themselves in battle, the Seal-Team 6 of their day. The Hebrew term connoted wealth and membership in a select organization, often in a warrior class, and has the idea of “competent strength”. There’s more. I counted at least ten (10) terms in Proverbs 31:10-31 that have military connotations. That is remarkable. The heroism displayed on the battlefield is transferred to the domestic sphere so that we may value and acclaim the women in our own lives who are genuine heroes.
In Her Own Sphere of Life, the Woman is a Hero
So, why deliberately use the language associated with military heroes to depict a woman? The Proverbs author wanted to show the men and women and children of Israel that a woman, a wife and mother, faithfully displaying “competent strength” in her life in the home and the community, is viewed by God as an heir to Israel’s heroes, her influence rising to the level of the Green Berets of the day. This mother, someone’s daughter, is a cultural hero in God’s opinion.
As a true champion, she should not be overlooked, dismissed or forgotten. She, and others like her, should be praised, extolled with songs written and sung by the faith community.
As for a woman who fears the LORD, she should be praised. Extol her for the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. 31:30b-31
There are women and mothers who have distinguished themselves in the church, community, and home through self-less courage and sacrifice. They have brought enormous good to their families, churches, and communities. But often they are unrecognized, patronized, and attempts to elevate them as equal to men are often shouted down. But heroes they are. It is time to respond to the inspired call of Proverbs 31, to recognize them, praise them, and proclaim them as our heroes. God does. Why can’t we?
Recognize our Heroes
Why not take this weekend, Mother’s Day, to think about the many ways that your mum or grandmother is a true hero. Consider the good she has done for you and your family, for her church, and community over the years. She may not have chased down and eliminated Osama bin-Laden on a one-of-a-kind, special ops mission, but she has displayed consistent sacrifice, ongoing selfless courage, and enduring love for you, your siblings, for the wounded and hurting in the church and community. Isn’t she a hero, too? The author of Proverbs considers the valiant wife on the same prestigious level as Israel’s national heroes. The giving of Congressional Medals of Honor to deserving wives and mothers and women is long overdue.
Imagine the joy and encouragement it would being to her tired heart, in overflowing quantities, if she was given the recognition, she so richly deserves. Recognize the real heroes God has graciously put into your life. Mothers are warriors who fight for their children, families, and the disadvantaged, and are our real heroes. God thinks so. Perhaps its time for all of us to follow His lead.
May the God of Israel, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, pour out His rich blessing on mothers everywhere. They deserve it. And, finally, let’s pray for all those mothers who have been affected by Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. Wars creates untold suffering for mums.
Thank you for reading.