By Khutso Mokgehle
On this Mother's Day, there is a story that has been in my heart for the past few days - the story of Mephibosheth.
Mephibosheth was the grandson of King Saul. His father was Jonathan. When the news of his father and grandfather's death came, his nurse did something amazing, 2 Samuel 4:4 explains:
Jonathan, son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became disabled. His name was Mephibosheth.
The name of his nurse is unknown but the action this woman took is commendable. Even though Mephibosheth was not her son, she was determined to ensure his safety. In the process, the boy did lose his legs, but he had his life! He was later invited to dine with the king (David), and he was honoured like the prince he was.
I lost my mother when I was only four years old. I had two sisters who were much older than me. When my father passed away two years later, I was officially an orphan. I am grateful to God for blessing me with sisters who took on the motherly role for me and my brother who was three years older than me. As a child, it did not mean much to me but as I grow, I am starting to understand the sacrifices that they had made to take us in as their own children.
They were young and were starting their own families, they could have left us with our grandmothers and aunts, but they took it upon themselves to be our mothers.
On this day, I want to appreciate all mothers who are raising and who raised children that are not their own as if they were their own. Your love, care and support are appreciated. I pray that just like in Mephibosheth's case, you may witness the growth and favour of God upon those kids, and that God will reward you with good health, wealth and most importantly, the salvation of your souls and the salvation of your entire families.
Happy Mothers' Day to you!
