Christian Hope

NCFI Cares: Mary–An Example for Mothers

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“My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46)

As I write this devotion, it is Mother’s Day in the US. Mothers, grandmothers, and aunts and women who are “spiritual mothers” are honored by daughters and sons. It is a day where we recognize the contribution of mothers in our lives with flowers, candy and/or a special meal or activity. Sometimes, a present to mom is a day dedicated to serving them—doing the dishes, or as one of my daughters says, “scrubbing the toilets.” This is her least favorite household chore.

The day can be joyous for some and painful for others. Mother’s Day can be a time to grieve the death of our mothers and grandmothers. For others, the day accentuates the pain woman experience who have been unable to conceive. There can also be despair of broken relationships between mothers and children highlighted in the unrealistic expectation of perfect relationships among perfect people.

There has only been one perfect mother—Mary, Jesus’ mother—the Mother of God. She is the only person who truly exemplified God’s perfect motherly love.  

Here is a list AI put together from multiple sources:

  • Radical Trust & Acceptance: When faced with the unexpected, Mary replied, “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38). She teaches mothers to embrace the unknown, overcome fear, and trust God’s plan for their children.
  • Active Presence & Compassion: Mary did not abandon Jesus during his Passion. She reminds mothers to stand with their children during difficult times, offering presence and compassion, even when they cannot “fix” the situation.
  • Nurturing Faith & Obedience: Mary raised Jesus in faith, encouraging him to follow God’s will. She shows the importance of passing on spiritual values and guiding children toward a relationship with God.
  • Letting Go & Surrender: At the cross, Mary learned to let go of her son, entrusting him fully to the Father. This teaches that motherhood involves releasing control and trusting God’s ultimate purpose.
  • Patience & Humility: She models how to respond to the frustrations of parenting with grace, apologizing when needed and putting the need of children before her own.

Whatever your experience is or the relationship you have with your mother or your children, both biological and spiritual, we can learn a lot from Mary about God’s perfect love. Through the Father’s love, grace, and mercy we can proclaim, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for her has looked on the humble estate of his servant.” (Luke 1:46-47)

NCFI Cares: Into Your Hands

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For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die;
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

As we approach Holy Week and the death of Christ, we are reminded of God’s providential timing. In various places throughout scripture, we see Jesus evading death. Early in his ministry, he was almost thrown over a cliff in Luke 4:28-30. He narrowly escaped stoning by the Jewish leaders in John 8:59 and in 10:39. After the resurrection of Lazarus  the Jewish leaders plotted to kill Jesus, so he withdrew to Ephraim until his final entrance into Jerusalem (John 11:54).

When the time came; the perfect time to fulfill God’s will in the work of redemption, Jesus willingly turned himself over to the Jewish and Roman leadership. “Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father.” (John 13:1) He submitted completely to the events that would lead to his death: trial, scourging, and crucifixion.  

God is the Lord of time! He knows the past, present and future for each of us.  Job reminds us “Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass” (14:5). The time and hour of a person’s death is in the hands of the Lord and is known before birth. “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalm 139:16).

Many times, as nurses we may find ourselves caring for those who have a terminal diagnosis, a traumatic injury, or life-threatening illness that will hasten death sooner.  This Holy Week as we meditate on the Lord’s final steps toward death, we can find wisdom and compassion for those who are in their final days or weeks of life.

  • First, let’s ensure that no one dies alone. Jesus was abandoned by most of his friends. John, his mother, and a few women watched his excruciating death on the cross. If family or friends are unavailable for our patients, then commit time to sit with a dying patient, praying for their journey towards our Lord.
  • Second, this is also a good time to remember to add the suffering, the dying, and their families to our prayer list.
    •  “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.”(1 Timothy 2:1)
    • “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18).
  • Third, let’s remind our patients and families of our Lord’s triumph against death. God not only numbered our days and comforts their suffering, but He also welcomes them with the promised hope of Easter Sunday. Guide them in calling out to the Lord as Jesus did to the Father in his final hour, “Into your hands I commit my spirit.”

For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:53-57)

Let’s support our patients and families in finding peace, love and joy for the final journey.

Easter Blessings from NCFI