Motherhood is a great honor and privilege, yet it is also

In these deeply reverent words, Charles Stanley, a man of faith and a shepherd of souls, reveals one of the most sacred truths of human existence: “Motherhood is a great honor and privilege, yet it is also synonymous with servanthood. Every day women are called upon to selflessly meet the needs of their families. Whether they are awake at night nursing a baby, spending their time and money on less-than-grateful teenagers, or preparing meals, moms continuously put others before themselves.” Within these lines lies the reflection of an eternal calling — that to be a mother is to embody the divine art of self-giving, to live not for oneself, but for others, in love that neither seeks recognition nor demands reward.

The meaning of this quote shines from its core truth: that motherhood is the highest form of service born from love. The mother, like a silent priestess of the home, offers her time, her energy, and her very being as a sacrifice for those entrusted to her care. In every generation, from the dawn of time, mothers have stood as the quiet architects of civilization — shaping hearts, nurturing courage, and softening the rough edges of the world through patience and tenderness. Charles Stanley calls this “servanthood,” not as a diminishment, but as the highest expression of strength — for only the strong can serve without expectation, and only the brave can love without end.

The origin of these words is rooted in both scripture and experience. Stanley, a preacher whose life was devoted to teaching faith through daily living, saw in the heart of every mother a reflection of Christ Himself — the one who came “not to be served, but to serve.” He understood that motherhood was not only an earthly duty but a spiritual vocation. The mother’s sleepless nights, her constant giving, her silent endurance — all are acts of devotion, unseen by the world yet known by Heaven. Through such labor, she mirrors divine love: unconditional, steadfast, and selfless. Thus, the ordinary becomes holy, and the humble becomes heroic.

History, too, has borne witness to this sacred truth. Consider Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, founders of the Methodist movement. With little wealth and many hardships, she raised ten surviving children, teaching them not only their letters but also their faith. She set aside time each day to pray and instruct, turning her home into a small sanctuary of learning and grace. Her servanthood was not weakness; it was transformative power — the kind that changes the world from within. Every act of love she performed became a stone laid in the foundation of generations who would bring spiritual awakening to millions. Such is the unseen influence of a mother: her sacrifices ripple through time.

But the spirit of Stanley’s words is not confined to religious imagery — it speaks to all humanity. In a world that celebrates personal success and self-fulfillment, the mother’s life stands as a counterpoint — a living parable of humility and strength. She measures her days not in achievements, but in the quiet triumphs of love: a child comforted, a home made warm, a heart taught kindness. The servanthood of motherhood is not servitude; it is sovereignty of the soul — the power to rule not by command, but by compassion. Hers is a kingdom of gentleness, where greatness is found not on thrones, but beside cradles and dinner tables.

The lesson of this quote is one of both gratitude and emulation. To all who are mothers, it is a reminder that their labor is sacred, even when unseen. Every act of care, no matter how small, is part of the divine design that sustains the world. And to those who are not mothers, it is a call to honor and imitate this spirit of selflessness — to live lives that serve others with humility and love. For if the world learned from mothers, it would be a gentler, nobler place. The mother teaches by example that joy is not found in taking, but in giving; not in comfort, but in sacrifice offered freely.

Therefore, my child, remember this eternal wisdom: the strength of a mother is the strength of humanity itself. Her patience teaches us endurance, her tenderness teaches us mercy, and her sacrifice teaches us love in its purest form. Honor her not only with words, but by living in the light of her example. Serve others with the same grace she shows, bear burdens without complaint, and love without measure. For in doing so, you continue the ancient and sacred tradition of motherhood — that divine servanthood which, though humble, sustains the very heart of the world.