Have You Hugged Your Mom Today?

There’s no gift more precious from God to a son or daughter than having a godly mother (Proverbs 31:25-28). For over sixty years, this writer was blessed with having a godly mother who greatly influenced my life for good. She has since gone to be with the Lord (2008), but her Christian influence and example still loudly speaks to me today (2 Timothy 1:5; Titus 2:3-4; Hebrews 11:4).

The one thing I miss the most, is another opportunity to hug my mother. When I would visit her, her arms would open wide to hug me and mine to hug her. There’s just something about the act of hugging, that brings two people closer together, showing a natural affection of loving and caring about another human being. In fact, research shows that hugging gives a child a feeling of self-esteem and self-worth — a sense of abiding security in an insecure world.

Beloved, if you have been blessed by still having your mom with you, have you hugged her today? If you haven’t, please do so at every opportunity, because one day, she will no longer be around to hug. Treasure those times when you and your mom are drawn closer to one another through the simple act of hugging. I look forward to the day when I can once again hug my mother in heaven.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets