I love what the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, a young man who had great courage and confidence. In Second Timothy three he wrote, “Timothy, I can see the faith of your mother Eunice and your grandmother Lois in you.” See, Timothy’s strong belief came through the influence of his mother and grandmother. Those women made an investment that had an impact on Timothy’s life. They taught him to know the love of the Lord, and it was this upbringing that led him into his calling; a ministry of preaching the Gospel.

Whether you are a mother or not, you have the ability to encourage, equip, inspire and invest in the lives of the people around you. Your influence can directly affect the direction of someone’s life and lead them into their calling. Perhaps there are other children in your life—nieces, nephews or your friends’ children—that you can encourage and tell them how important they are. Even adults need that love, support and inspiration that comes from a mother’s heart. Remember, your words have power. Your words of faith make great deposits into the hearts of others. Take time to speak words of blessing to those around you because you never know what can happen when you inspire just one life.

To all the mothers who have invested so much in the lives of their children, may you be blessed, strengthened and empowered by His Spirit, and may you know the greatness of the gift that you are to this world!

“Her children arise and call her blessed…” (Proverbs 31:28, NIV).