The Title of Mother
I answer to many names. Mama, Mom, Mother (when my boys really want something), Nana Cute (my grandchildren), Mama Noble, Mrs. Pat, Mrs. Noble, Pat, Patricia, Pneezie, Mafia Mom, and Chucky to name a few. I will not elaborate on the last three since you probably guessed correctly the reasons for them. Of course, Mama, Mom, and Nana Cute represent my favorite three names since my biological children use them. But another name also holds near and dear to my heart—Mama Noble.
You see, when I got married, I desired to give birth to a lot of kids. I wanted a big family. However, after delivering three, that desire quickly ceased. I applaud those who forged ahead with many more. But you know that saying, “God works in mysterious ways.” Well, yes, He does. He grants our desires, but it’s not always the way we expect.
While I only gave birth to three children, the Lord still blessed me with many other kids. You see, for eighteen years, I developed and led the youth drama ministry at my church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Hundreds of young people, ages 12-18 came through that ministry. Eventually, my name changed from Mrs. Noble to Mama Noble.
Did I give natural birth to them? No, but I and my team birthed something into them. We conducted Bible studies, led them in volunteer opportunities, and engaged them with fun activities. We provided encouragement when needed and helped them navigate difficult teenager issues. We administered discipline and correction with love. In other words, I and my other women volunteers on the drama team functioned as mothers.
You may not have given natural birth to children, but you can still birth life into them. If you pour encouragement, knowledge, wisdom into them, or make a positive impact on a young person’s life, you can claim the title of Mother.
One of the greatest examples of the impact of the youth drama ministry came from one of its members. This young lady graduated out of the ministry and joined a small bible study group I attended. During a discussion, she made this statement. “I want to be a lawyer and serve people. I learned how to serve and the impact of serving in the youth drama ministry.” Tears welled up in my eyes. Today, that young lady is a lawyer and we stay in touch, and she still calls me Mama Noble.
I keep up with many of my adopted children. I continue to write recommendations for them, send job opportunities, give advice, and get invited to their celebrations. We still pray for each other, and although most of them are grown with families or thriving into their careers, they still call me Mama Noble.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve realized that you don’t have to give birth to a child in order to birth life into a child. So, I will continue to pour into those the Lord sends me and trust Him to reveal what I need to birth in them. Why? Simply …
