Mothers Don’t Remember

As we enter the season of Advent, it's worth remembering the first person to embody grace in many of our lives: our mothers. A love that looks past our failings, and keeps no record of wrongs, is one model for the calling we share as Christians to extend the same grace given to us.

Even moms aren't perfect, and sometimes a little record-keeping is necessary to raise a child, but at the end of the day, love tends to eclipse any grievances. How can we cultivate the same love for those around us, being good "mothers" for the people in our lives?

TRANSCRIPT: Doctors discovered cancer in Linda’s mother, and it spread like fire. Six months later, she was dying.

Linda had children of her own now, but facing the loss of her mother brought deep regrets for the times she had fallen short as a daughter. “Mom,” she said through her tears, “You asked me to help in the house, and I hated doing it. I talked back and ignored things you and Dad told me . . . so many times I hurt you.”

Linda’s mother was in pain, but from the bed she said clearly, “Honey, mothers don’t remember those things.”

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. Linda’s story is a glimpse into the power of love. When you love, you forgive and forget. We all have that power—in the high calling of our daily work.