It all started with those two in the picture. Some days I wanted to show them to the whole world. Other days… well, if you’re a parent, you understand. But every day I have loved them.
Loving them, I wanted to teach them everything that God would expect of them when they were grown, but at the same time, I had no desire to force them to endure family and religious traditions that served no useful purpose. Some of my friends and colleagues were leaving the churches they had been raised in opting to teach their children the less restrictive traditions found in most mainstream churches.
So, what was I to do? Continue on the path generations of Ellingsworths had traveled, or sign up with those who were choosing different routes?
I went back to the Bible to see if what I had been taught was correct, and if so, was necessary. For instance, why did the apostles care about a woman’s appearance? What difference does it make?
I discovered that the greatest force God has placed on Earth is Feminine Influence. And how each woman allows God’s word to influence her decisions determines whether her influence is spiritual or carnal.
Consider Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God personally told Adam not to eat of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. When Eve came along, Adam took her to that tree and told her not only to not eat the fruit, but to not even touch it.
But when Eve succumbed to the serpent’s tempting, she simply handed the fruit to Adam and he, knowing full well that he was about to disobey God’s explicit command, ate it.
The power of Feminine Influence.
Want another example?
Jump to the New Testament. Jesus and his family are at a wedding. He has not yet begun His ministry, so He is just another friend from the community celebrating with His neighbors.
Then they run out of wine. Jesus’ mother hears about it and connects Jesus and the food and beverage director. “They are out of wine,” Mary said to Jesus. His response? “It is not my time.” He was reminding Mary that it was not time for Him to reveal the fullness of who He really was.
She ignored him. Instead, she turned to the guy in charge of the wine. “Whatever He tells you to do, do it.” Then, she walked off.
Jesus turned the water into wine, His first miracle, not because it was His time, but because His mother set Him up.
The power of Feminine Influence.
Throughout the whole Bible, you see it over and over. Rebekah used it to push Isaac to send Jacob away. Moses’ mother convinced his father to risk his life to save her baby, while Samuel’s mother convinced his dad to let her give his baby away.
The power of Feminine Influence.
That’s why I’ve chosen to teach my daughters that those scriptural commands are imp
ortant, and will always work to their advantage.
And that is why this Mother’s Day I pay tribute to their mother who continuously shows them what living God’s word looks like in real life. She joyfully embraces God’s commands, and fully trusts in His care. What I can only tell about, she lives. If our children connect with God’s eternal plan and find delight in His word, their mother will receive the lion’s share of the credit for the selfless life of faith she has chosen that they have been privileged to observe.
(Yes, there is a boy in that picture. It’s the family minus me).
Happy Mother’s Day to Anita – and to every lady who is striving to influence her world to follow Jesus. Don’t give up! Somebody desperately needs your influence.
********
For those who would like to read a little more on this topic, I wrote a short book for my daughters to help them understand why the Bible requires certain things from them. Between now and Mother’s Day, I am offering the book at a special discount.
You can check out the book by clicking the link below. If you desire to purchase the book, click the “I WANT THIS” button that you will see. And to take advantage of a $4 discount, type the word “blog” (without quotation marks) in the Offer Code box.
If you prefer an ebook, click the second link. Follow the same instructions above to receive a $4 discount.
Remember, this offer is good only until Mother’s Day.
5 Comments
Shelly Stringfellow
May 3, 2016 at 10:47 amHey, Doug! It’s Shelly Johnson Stringfellow. I ordered your book, sounds like a great topic! I would appreciate your signature in my copy if you would please? Then I will have a signed copy from the author! Hope all is well with the family, tell Anita we said hi!
Doug Ellingsworth
May 3, 2016 at 10:57 amThank you, Shelly. We are all well, and Anita said hello.
On this topic, your mother could be used as a good illustration. She was an example of commitment, faithfulness, worship, and devotion to God.
Thank you for taking the time to write – and for buying my book!
Toni McKee
May 3, 2016 at 12:26 pmI just ordered your book. Sounds like a wonderful book. God has been dealing with me regarding this subject.
Thank you for sharing.
Tell Anita I said “Hello”
Doug Ellingsworth
May 3, 2016 at 12:55 pmThank you! I will tell her.
Melodi
August 20, 2016 at 1:17 pmHi cousin….sorry I’m way late on reading this post but I’d like to purchase this book as well. Yes I know it is too late for the discount but that’s fine because I still want it. I enjoy your blog and it often gives me points to ponder and apply!! Where can I order???