9 & 10 May 2026 (Pastoral Page) MOTHERHOOD & MENTORING

by Ms Lilian Poon

This is the weekend when flower businesses surge. Bouquets fly off the shelves, restaurant reservations fill up, and families creatively plan to celebrate with their beloved mothers. Amid the festivities of this once-a-year celebration, we also want to remember the very essence of motherhood, expressed through virtues such as nurturing, encouragement, and perseverance. In many ways, motherhood has much to teach us about mentoring and discipling. Consider this: Who is our first mentor, the one who disciples us? None other than our parents. They are our first role models, the ones we observe and learn from. Although many of us may not be mothers, we can learn from mothers how to become spiritual mothers or parents to others.

Scripture features several mothers who exemplify qualities of faith. Hannah comes to mind, she is a wife and woman who started life with tremendous disadvantages. She was in a polygamous marriage that was accepted in those days, yet Hannah was barren (1 Samuel 1:6), a curse that made her a laughingstock among her peers. As we read 1 Samuel chapter 1, we discover that Hannah’s response to this dilemma was extraordinary. She was bitter, but chose to lament and pour out her heart, shame, and sorrows to God, crossing over the threshold of personal bitterness to pray and trust God for a son. She had so much faith that she vowed to return the boy to God’s service in the future. God answered her prayers, and Hannah fulfilled her vow with joy (1 Samuel 2). Throughout the process, we see no hesitation when the time came to release her son. Hannah’s demonstration of faith against all adversities and her utter surrender to God is awe-inspiring. It shows us a woman of brokenness who found God as anchor and firm foundation.

In the same way, I believe God uses us, with our setbacks and brokenness, to be His channels of blessing when we surrender our all to Him. Only an empty cup has the capacity to be filled to the brim with God’s living water, then poured out again to refresh another person over and over. A cup full of itself leaves little room for God. We see this same quality in Mary, the mother of Jesus that when she surrendered her son to the cross, she had to carry her own cross of utter devastation as a mother. Our season of desolation may become consolation to others as we take on the mantle to be a spiritual parent. This season may be essential preparation as you persevere in prayer and faith.

Another powerful example of mothers in the Bible is found in 2 Timothy 1:5, when Paul calls out to his protégé, Timothy, to remember the sincere faith that first lived in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. It is striking that Paul mentions them so early in his letter as this usually appears near the end when he acknowledged co-workers in ministry. These were obviously key relationships in Timothy’s life that greatly impacted his calling. Now, Paul tasks him to remember not the faith of his mentor, but the faith of the women in his life. Who does God call to your remembrance as you reflect on your own journey of faith? Who made such an impact that they turned the trajectory of your life back toward God and His service? As we recall these men and women of faith, may it spur us likewise to be disciples not only to reflect God’s glory, but also to pass the baton to another person through the faithful ministry of teaching, making disciples, and mentoring. May we become spiritual mothers and fathers to others in this spiritual relay race, so that sincere faith may live on from one spiritual generation to the next.

Last but not least, to all mothers among us who are celebrating with your spouses, children, and grandchildren, may you continue to persevere in inspiring your family with your unwavering example of love, dedication, passion, and sacrifice, showcasing Christ’s extraordinary love. And to all spiritual mothers who are mentoring others, may the same blessedness fill you with His grace and love to continue this good work. Let us pray together with Mary’s beautiful prayer from Luke 1:46–49 as we journey together toward fruitful motherhood.

My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,

for He has been mindful

of the humble state of His servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me

Holy is His name. Amen.