Brave and Protective

It started out as a fun and relaxing mother-daughter outing, as Valeh Levy surfed with Sydney, her 15-year-old daughter, off New Smyrna Beach in Florida. But as they paddled their surfboards side by side, gearing up to catch another wave, suddenly Sydney was jerked off her board and pulled under the water by a shark. Although she was able to get back on her board, it happened again.

Catching a glimpse of the ominous dark shape below, Valeh realized what was happening. Determined to save her child, she sprang into action, grabbing her daughter by the shoulders, wrestling her from the shark’s jaws, and dragging her onto the front of her surfboard. With the shark circling them, they screamed for help and were assisted by other surfers. Although her foot and ankle required surgery, Sydney’s life was saved by her mother’s brave actions.

Mothers today face somewhat analogous challenges as a predator of souls circles their children, hoping to drag them down and injure them, “seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Worldly mothers have little defense against these kinds of attacks on their kids, but a Christian mother knows her strength and wisdom come from God. “With Him are wisdom and strength, He has counsel and understanding” (Job 12:13).

Filled with courage from above, a Christian mother will fight tenaciously for the souls of her children and grasp promises from God, such as Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ ” She will put her trust in the Lord and rely on His guidance, while striving to shape their characters. With gentle persuasiveness, she will consistently point them to Jesus and help them to choose the path that leads to eternal life.

Apply It:

Think of three ways your mother helped shape your life for the better.

Dig Deeper:

Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:6–8; Proverbs 31:10–31

Key Bible Texts

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: (Proverbs 1:8 KJV)