As we move through the seasons of our lives—growing up, chasing dreams, building families, and navigating challenges—it’s easy to overlook the quiet, powerful force that helped shape us: our mothers.
Motherhood is more than biology. It’s a lifelong act of devotion, resilience, and grace. Whether through late-night lullabies, silent sacrifices, or steadfast encouragement, mothers give of themselves in ways words rarely capture. And yet, in a world moving faster than ever, honoring them can sometimes feel like an afterthought rather than the deep, personal commitment it ought to be.
There’s an ancient piece of wisdom, found in the book of Proverbs 23:25, that speaks directly to this idea: “So make your parents happy; delight your mother—after all, she brought you into this world.” (VOICE translation)
Regardless of religious belief, this is a universal truth. We all came into this world through someone’s pain, courage, and hope. The gift of life is something sacred. Honoring your mother isn’t about perfection or pretending every relationship is easy. It’s about choosing gratitude over indifference, empathy over judgment, and connection over distance.
To honor someone means to recognize their worth and treat them with respect. It’s not a one-time gesture on a holiday card—it’s a lifestyle of appreciation. In a culture that often values independence above all else, we forget that our roots hold us steady. Our mothers teach us how to love, how to care, how to endure.
When we honor them—through words, time, forgiveness, or even simple presence—we don’t just make them happy. We give something back. We heal. We strengthen our own hearts.
What Honoring Can Look Like
- A phone call or visit: Not out of obligation, but out of love.
- Asking her story: What were her dreams? Her struggles?
- Saying thank you: For the seen and unseen things.
- Showing up: helping out, writing a letter, celebrating her.
- Forgiveness: If the relationship is broken, honoring can also mean finding peace, even if from a distance.
For some, the word “mother” may not conjure warm memories. In those cases, honoring a maternal figure—a grandmother, aunt, teacher, mentor—can still be an act of restoration and grace. The spirit of Proverbs 23:25 invites us to return joy to those who have nurtured us, whoever they may be.