Sermon Date: 5/11/2025

Bible Verses: Proverbs 31:25

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Not Your Normal Mother’s Day Message: A Call to Accountability and Grace

1. Introduction: Rethinking Mother's Day Messages

• Traditional Approach: Typically, Mother's Day sermons focus on honoring mothers with appreciation and gratitude.
• Contrast with Father's Day: Father's Day messages often challenge men to step up, emphasizing responsibility and leadership.
• Today's Focus: While honoring mothers, we also aim to encourage accountability, spiritual growth, and a recommitment to biblical motherhood.

1. The Current Landscape: Sobering Statistics
2. Abortion Trends in the United States

• Recent Increase: In 2023, the U.S. saw approximately 1,026,700 abortions—the highest number in over a decade .
• Historical Context: This marks a reversal from previous declines, indicating shifting societal attitudes and challenges.

1. Declining Motherhood Among Younger Generations

• Millennial Mothers: As of 2018, about 55% of Millennial women (born 1981–1996) had become mothers, compared to 62% of Gen X women at the same age .
• Gen Z Mothers: Only 6% of Gen Z women are mothers, highlighting a significant generational shift .
• Choosing Childlessness: A 2021 survey found that 44% of non-parents aged 18 to 49 said it is "not too likely" or "not likely at all" that they will have children someday, up from 37% in 2018 .

III. Biblical Foundations for Motherhood

1. Strength and Dignity

• Proverbs 31:25: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."
  • Interpretation: A virtuous mother embodies strength and dignity, facing the future with confidence rooted in faith.

1. Comfort and Compassion

• Isaiah 66:13: "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."
  • Interpretation: God uses the metaphor of a mother's comfort to describe His own care, highlighting the nurturing role of mothers.

1. Gentle Leadership

• 1 Thessalonians 2:7: "Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children."
  • Interpretation: Spiritual leaders are encouraged to exhibit the gentle, caring nature of a mother.

1. Teaching and Guidance

• Proverbs 1:8: "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching."
  • Interpretation: Mothers play a crucial role in imparting wisdom and guidance to their children.

1. The Church's Role: Encouraging Accountability and Support

• Beyond Appreciation: While expressing gratitude is important, the church must also encourage mothers to pursue spiritual growth and responsibility.
• Support Systems: Establish mentorship programs, parenting classes, and support groups to equip mothers in their roles.
• Addressing Challenges: Open dialogues about the difficulties of motherhood, including societal pressures and personal struggles.

1. A Call to Action: Embracing Biblical Motherhood