(1) A protective and possessive affection which a mother will typically display towards their child throughout their life or
(2) A possessive affection where a mother will protect her offspring at all costs
In recent culture, a mother’s love is popularly compared to that of a mama bear. The symbolism is found everywhere including on sweatshirts, hats, and mugs. And pictures and videos on social media use it as a hashtag. But what is the connection between mother love and being a mama bear?
Urban Dictionary’s top definition of a mama bear is: A mom who can be cuddly and lovable but also has a ferocious side when it’s necessary to protect her cubs. It’s also a good idea not to cross them. When a mother sees her child in danger, she is literally capable of anything. Mothers have lifted cars off of their children and destroyed dynasties.
Mothers are so precious and special to us that it is often difficult to express our reverence and love for them in words and/or without becoming emotional. These are the thoughts of a few who have tried (authors unknown):
- “A mother’s hug lasts long after she lets go.”
- “There is no influence so powerful as that of the mother.”
- “A mother’s love is more beautiful than any fresh flower.”
- “A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”
- “When you look at your mother, you look at the purest love you will ever know.”
Of course, the Lord who created mothers and their characteristics holds a special place in his heart for them as he considers Godly parenting of paramount importance. If Christians can say “God is love,” their first and most powerful experience of human love usually starts in the womb and continues in the arms of a mother. He has much to say in his word about mothers, women in general, and love.
- “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” [Exodus 20:12]
- “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” [Proverbs 31:28-31]
- “Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father.” [Leviticus 19:3]
- “The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” [Genesis 3:20]
- “As a mother comforts her child, I shall comfort you.” [Isaiah 66:13]
Jesus even compares his love and care to a mother hen, as he grieves before Jerusalem: “How many times I wanted to put my arms around all your people, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would not let me!” [Luke 13:34]
A mother’s love uniquely marks and makes the human experience. Human children are dependent on a mother and father longer than the offspring of any other species. And their influence and nurturing are so impactful that they are seared into our hearts. If they are still with us on this side of heaven and not living with us, we call them often to chat and even ask for advice from cooking to relationships! It is not unusual for us as adults to become their protectors and their nurturers and when they pass on, we hold them in our hearts forever.
There are many people who say that they think about their moms who have passed on almost every day if not every day and do so for decades or until they themselves leave earthly life! And this is not necessarily in an unhealthy way but rather with funny memories, touching memories, talking to them, talking about them, and yes, even getting misty-eyed or weeping. The thought of mothers and what they mean to us – their love, their touch, their sacrifice – can bring any of us to tears from children to the hardest men. The essence of mother love is one of the most powerful things on earth.
HER CHILDREN RISE UP AND CALL HER BLESSED . . . [PROVERBS 31:28]