“Motherly Moments and Momisms”
May 9, 2025
Momisms, or classic mom sayings, have been a staple of parenting across generations. Some common examples include: “You’ll live,” “Don’t put that in your mouth, you don’t know where it’s been,” and “Don’t sit too close to the TV, you’ll go blind”. These phrases, often used with a mix of humor and concern, reflect the core of a mother’s love and guidance.
Other examples of popular momisms include:
“One day you’ll thank me.”
“I’m not going to tell you again.”
“Say please… thank you…you’re welcome.”
“Stop your crying or I’ll give you something to cry about.”
“Because I’m your mother, that’s why.”
“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” (my mom’s most uttered momism).
While there are no “momisms” in the Bible, there are many “motherly moments” which offer various perspectives on godly motherhood. Some notable examples include Mary’s obedience to God, Hannah’s dedication of Samuel, and the loving care Naomi showed to Ruth.
- Mary (Luke 1:26-56):
Mary’s acceptance of her divine role as the mother of Jesus, despite her young age and the societal implications, is a powerful testament to her faith and obedience.
Hannah’s prayerful dedication of Samuel to God’s service after experiencing years of infertility shows a mother’s unwavering faith and commitment to honoring her vows.
- Naomi (Ruth 1:1-18):
Naomi’s sacrifice and care for Ruth, even after the loss of her own family, demonstrate a motherly compassion and selflessness.
However, there is one short passage of Scripture that is not necessarily a “momism” or a “motherly moment”. It is a passage that I believe speaks to all of us, whether we’ve ever been a mom or not. It is a passage that offers more wisdom than all the “momisms” and “motherly moments” combined.
Once while Jesus was teaching to a great crowd, a woman, duly impressed with His words and wisdom, proclaimed:
“Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” (Luke 11: 27b)
Jesus did not deny that Mary was blessed to be His mother, but He did respond to the woman by saying,
, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11: 28)
Human minds may not be able to conceive of a greater honor than to be the mother of Jesus Christ, but Jesus COULD think of a greater blessing than being His mom. He did not disrespect the women’s comment, nor diminish the honor paid to His mother or to Himself, but rather, He suggested that hearing the word of God and obeying it was the greater blessing.
Mother’s Day can be a difficult day for many people and for a variety of reasons. Many children may be deeply missing a mother that has passed away, or many may live with the unfulfilled longing to be a mom. While these are real feelings of loss, may we take comfort in knowing that while moms and motherhood are incredible blessings, a greater blessing exists in hearing and obeying the Word of God!
I have never had the honor of being a mother, but I had a fabulous mom, and I am a daughter of the King. May I keep my mother’s favorite “momisms” and may I hear and heed my King’s words!
Happy Mother’s Day to all moms everywhere! Where would we all be without you?
What momism do you find yourself saying a lot?