Because Mom Said

“I got an earful from my mom.” Yes, multiple millionaire and public figure NFL quarterback Marcus Mariota just told the world he still respects his mother. That, my friends, is the secret to highly successful people. You’ll hear it said, “because that’s not how my mama raised me.” And it will usually come after society notes someone doing something selfless, honorable, and respectful in a world that has forgotten to be any of that. Oh, and I can bet those same people had a mother who said, “I brought you into this world and I can take you out!”

God love moms.

Marcus Mariota is a successful NFL quarterback with considerable prospects ahead of him. We’ve established the precedence of his mom in his life already.

US Navy Admiral William McRaven was the ninth commander of US Special Operations Command – over the SEALs, Delta Force, and others – and his number one rule for success was to make your bed in the morning. In the commencement speech McRaven delivered to the graduates of The University of Texas at Austin on May 17, 2014, the very first thing the Admiral advised graduates was the same thing your mother yelled to you before you left for school every morning. “Make your bed.” Not because your mother didn’t want to make everyone’s bed every day, but because your mother knew instinctively a little discipline and the success at the smallest thing would build towards the character and perseverance necessary to succeed at great things.

And how much more do I have to say about Tim Tebow? Anyone who has read my blog knows the level of respect I have for the man, not just for the player. But did you know Tebow carries his mother in high regard, often quoting her or citing instances from her raising him? Like Mariota, Tebow likely would have heard from his mother had he disrespected the media. Tebow, who now plays professional baseball, is often called out in news articles for his off-field activities, many of which carry spiritual undertones. If your definition of success intones being rich, living your dream, and getting your way, then Tebow won’t fit. However, in God’s arithmetic, I think he does.

“Honor your father and mother” (Ex 20:12, NIV) is the first commandment with a promise. “Because that’s not how my mama raised me” is a good indicator of that honor.

So today, as we get closer to Christmas, just keep one thing in mind. Whether you follow orders and make hospital corners on your bunk, stand and answer questions after a humiliating loss to a lesser team, or are trying to decide whether to buy food or crack with your last $20, how did your mama raise you? Be thankful to the mothers who raised us right. Not everyone is so blessed.

“Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’” (Luke 1:41-42, Berean)

God love moms.

God bless moms.