Former American Press staff writer Sunny Brown Farley writes "Naked Faith," a look at faith in its natural form: lived out in the day-to-day lives of ordinary people.

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Posted May 10, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Filed Under Faith & Religion | Leave a Comment

Yesterday I graduated from seminary. Four years of study. Four years of driving back and forth to Fort Worth. Four years of staying in my Mom and Dad’s guest bedroom for a night or two.

After the hooding ceremony – an amazing worship service in which all of us were draped with the sash-like hood awarded to master’s recipients, my friends and family joined me for a reception at my parents’ house.

As I surveyed to the crowd, I realized there were so many people I need to credit for making me who I am today. So many people have shaped my life.

After the party, I thanked my parents but I don’t think I could ever adequately thank them for all they have done for me.

I would not be here were it not for them.

I mean this in every sense possible. They gave me life. They shaped my life. They formed and influences and impacted my life.

Life-givers.

I think this is the very definition of a parent. They bring forth life continually and this is why a parent’s job is never done.

I have thought so many times about what it means to be created in the Image of God (Gen. 1:27). There are many answers, but one must certainly be our capacity to bring forth life. Our God is very much a life-giving and life-promoting God.

God is the prototypical Parent and we live in His image as we bring forth and promote life.

On this Mother’s Day, I celebrate my own mother and father and all they are to me and to so many others. In them I see the very Image of God.

Thank you, Mom! Thank you, Dad!

May God bless all the mothers on this day and all the givers of life!