Dr. Murray Bowen introduced the family system theory, suggesting that individuals can’t be understood in isolation from one another but rather as a part of their family. According to Bowen, a family is an emotional system in which each member has a role to play and rules to respect. Members of the system are expected to respond to each other in a certain way according to their position.
Parental Roles, Merciful and Mighty
Every family has a cast of characters with colorful personalities and stories. They matter; we see glimpses of ourselves in them, our talents, tendencies and some of our troubles. Puzzle pieces, when put together, make our family portrait. So as Mothers and Fathers, how do we impact our family tree and our children? Both have life-determining significance with eternal consequences.
The role of a mother
Let’s consider the role of a mother. Mothers are extraordinary; all have sacrificed so many things on behalf of husbands, children, and extended families. All have stood behind the curtain of applause and recognition, ushering husbands and children to the center of the stage to lead and be prepared for leadership, yet knowing the applause of men is fleeting. They’ve spoken truth into their lives with a voice they can hear, in a way they can receive. They’ve prayed without ceasing for each of them. They’ve prepared countless meals and set them before the table of God. They’ve gone without sleep to care for them physically, to pray for them. They’ve wept when they wept. They’ve felt their pain and driven a million miles. The magnitude of a mother is often unrecognized because she happily stands behind the curtain. I’m reminded that God placed His only son in the hands of a woman to be loved and cared for, experience unconditional love, learn obedience, servanthood and sacrifice, and experience forgiveness. (although, without sin, he still ran off to the temple) Preparing Him, while being human, to say, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus in His humanness, was prepared by His family but primarily by His Mother and God to save all of humanity. Mothers pave the way to salvation. The magnitude of a mother will only be known in eternity.
Comments