The Lasting Impact of a Mom

President Theodore Roosevelt made this statement about mothers: “When all is said, it is the mother, and the mother only, who is a better citizen than the soldier who fights for his country. The successful mother, the mother who does her part in rearing and training aright the boys and girls who are to be the men and women of the next generation, is of greater use to the community, and occupies, if she only would realize it, a more honorable as well as a more important position than any man in it. The mother is the one supreme asset of the national life; she is more important by far than the successful statesman, or businessman, or artist, or scientist.”

Mothers play such a vital role in our society. They not only impact their children, but they impact their grandchildren and possibly their great-grandchildren. Even if they aren’t around, even if they’re already in Heaven, they still impact generations because of the truths they pass on.

Paul wrote to Timothy about the impact of Timothy’s grandmother and mother on the young man’s life, saying, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you” (2 Timothy 1:5 NLT). It began with his grandmother, Lois, continued with his mother, Eunice, and then to Timothy. And Timothy passed that faith on. It shows us the importance of a godly heritage.

If you’re a mom, maybe you feel as though you didn’t do your job all that well. In fact, it seems like your children are a work in progress right now. Just understand that you need to keep praying. Never give up, because your impact is greater than you may realize.