The widow with the two small coins: an example of giving and sacifice

 She was at the temple to give her offering. Nothing special about her appearance, if anything, she was probably ignored or overlooked. However, she caught the attention of Jesus. Why? She only offered two small coins when others were offering tons of money. She was extremely poor and yet gave one of the most heartfelt offerings. She was a widow, alone with no husband to provide for her. The two coins she offered was all she had. No one would blame her if she kept them; however, she surrendered completely to God, trusting him to provide for her. The widow with the two coins has become an example of the spirit of trust and generosity. What is her story? Why was she giving an offering? And what lessons can be pulled from her story? 

Passover was approaching and the temple was packed with worshippers. The previous Sunday, Jesus made a sensational scene as he rode down from the Mount of Olives, into Jerusalem, mounted on a donkey. However, that day, he sat with his disciples as a large crowd gathered as the temple treasury took their offerings. There, he watched as a widow deposited her offering. Two small copper coins that were less than a day’s wage (Mark 12:42). He quickly called the disciples’ attention to the widow. He would tell them that her offering was greater than all the others (Mark 12:43). Why? Because while others gave out of their wealth, she gave out of her poverty. She literally put everything she had in the offering. While no one else noticed the woman, Jesus saw her circumstances and her heart. He recognized the nature and the sacrifice of her offering. The Bible tells us nothing of the widow except her poverty and her faith. We do not know how she became impoverished. All we know is that she gave completely to God, believing and trusting that He will provide more than the two copper coins ever could. 

It would be easy to dismiss her gift as too meager. Because what would God do with two measly coins? But she had the grace to believe in the value of her small offering. As God can do great things with little means. The story of the widow is a reminder that God’s kingdom operates on different principles than the world. In God’s eyes, it is not the size of the gift that matters, it is the size of the heart that gives it. While money is a necessity of life, the Bible warns against placing more importance on it than it rightfully should. 1 Peter 5:2 warns against greed for money. Hebrews 13:5 tells us to keep free from the love of money and be content with what we have. And, of course, the often misquoted 1 Timothy 6:10, which tells us that “the LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (emphasis mine). As those who are eager for money have wandered from faith and found themselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:10).

 

There are a few lessons we can take away from the widow’s story. First, recognize the need for money but be willingly to give it away. Our true security comes from God. Not in our bank accounts or our homes or our belongings. He has promised to provide (Deuteronomy 31:8, Psalm 9:10). Second, God sees the cost, the motivation, the heart and the sacrifice behind your offering. A gift begrudgingly given or given for recognition loses its value. However, a gift given out of gratitude and generosity increases its value. Third, the amount sacrificed supersedes the amount given. The widow’s offering had no chance to match the offerings of the rich; however, her sacrifice was greater. While the rich still had money in their pockets, she went home with nothing. Nothing but trust and faith. And lastly, generosity requires trust in God’s promises. No one would have blamed the widow if she withheld the offering. She obviously needed it. However, she gave it away. Out of obedience and trust, it shows a great faith in God. Psalm 20:7 says “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” 

In conclusion, the widow’s story is a few short verses in the Bible and yet she sets a profound example for us. As I close out this year’s Bible studies, I am reminded of God’s providence. He is the source of every blessing in my life. Every gift comes from him (James 1:7). While worry is a very human thing to do, I am reminded not to worry and focus on Him (Matthew 6:25-26). As we head into a new year with hope and uncertainty, may we remember that God goes before us. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The God that provided yesterday will be the God who provides today and tomorrow. So give with your whole heart and God will do the rest. 

Flirting with Fire: it is possible to have a second chance with a high school crush?

Flirting With Fire by Piper Rayne is the first book in the Blue Collar Brothers series. What started out as a playful prank among friends ends up with Madison Kelly winning a date with her high school crush. In high school, she was “Fatty Maddie,” and crushed on Mauro Bianco, the hot quarterback of their football team. Now, ten years later, Mauro is a firefighter and turned into a rugged, muscled man. One date and she is ready to put her crush away like the old shoebox of high school memories in her closet. But a twist of fate has Maddie and Mauro entering into a business partnership. Maddie is determined to keep it professional, the sparks still fly. Only this time, Mauro feels them too.

Flirting With Fire is a sweet, spicy romance. I related to Maddie as the introverted ugly duckling, or so she had been told, high school student who still carries those insecurities. Mauro doesn’t recognize Maddie but once he realizes who she is, he is determined to make it right. While it dragged in parts, it definitely picked up speed as the sparks flew between Maddie and Mauro. There is, of course, drama and a big misunderstanding which led to a sweet, grand gesture that brought a smile to my face. By the end of the story, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest of this series. If you like sweet, spicy romance with first responders, I recommend Flirting With Fire. 

Flirting With Fire is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

False Start: when tutoring sessions turn romantic and leads to heartbreak

False Start by Piper Rayne is a prequel story to the Kingsmen Football series. Lee Burrows is the most popular guy on campus. The starting quarterback who needs tutoring. He is in trouble of failing his biology class and losing his scholarship. Enter Shayna, the quiet, studious introvert in his class. The study sessions start off fine until Lee starts flirting and acting jealous when he sees her with other guys and asking personal questions. When their tutoring sessions turn romantic, it is every girl’s fantasy and her heart is on cloud nine. Until she overhears a conversation that reveals the truth. Shayna vows that Lee Burrows will never hurt her again. Lee is determined to win her back. 

False Start is a quick romance story which ends in heartbreak; however, it immediately leads into the first book of the series, You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows. Lee is a big man on campus; however, he does care about his education. He reluctantly agrees to tutoring until he is face to face with Shayna, then he’s all in. Shayna is the typical introvert who doesn’t believe a guy like Lee would ever look twice at her. As they spend time together, the sparks are evident. Just as their romantic relationship gets off the ground, Shayna learns a shocking secret that tears them apart. I look forward to reading their second chance. I highly recommend False Start. 

False Start is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Meaning in Mistletoe: secrets, romance and a little Christmas magic

The Meaning in Mistletoe by Rachael Bloome is the fourth book in the Poppy Creek series. Kat Bennet has only one Christmas wish: to save Hope Hideaway. Hope Hideaway is a women’s shelter where she works but more than that, it is truly the only home she has ever known. With falling donations, the thought of closing the doors for good breaks her heart. Then a sudden idea brings her to the charming small town of Poppy Creek. Jack Gardener’s attention is immediately drawn to the new stranger in town. He is more than happy to show Kat the charm of his beloved town. However, he knows she doesn’t plan to stay. Both Jack and Kat keep their hearts under lock and key and their pasts hidden. However, Christmas in Poppy Creek is more than just charming, there is magic in the air. Can they let this Christmas be one they will never forget and find love for a lifetime? 

I am in love with the Poppy Creek series and The Meaning in Mistletoe is a wonderful addition. I could not put this story down as Kat and Jack deal with past hurts, uncertain futures and a love they cannot deny. All characters from the previous books make the occasional appearances without bogging down the story. One of my favorite moments is between Kat and Fern, her mentor/mother figure. Kat questions what if God doesn’t open doors and Fern responds with God always opens doors, it’s not always the ones we expect! I also love how the epilogue of the book leads into the story of the next book. I can’t wait to continue this series. If you love small town charms, clean and wholesome romance with faith and a bit of magic, I highly recommend The Meaning in Mistletoe and the previous books in this series. I highly recommend starting with the first book, The Clause in Christmas. 

The Meaning in Mistletoe is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Christmas at Saltwater Cove: can high school sweethearts have a second chance at love?

Christmas at Saltwater Cove is a novella to accompany the Westcott Bay series by Amelia Addler. Dr. Sandy Randall has given up on love. With a divorce and a string of bad relationships behind her, she doesn't see any point. But on a trip to San Juan Island to visit her sister, Sandy comes face-to-face with her high school sweetheart. She feels the same old flame but feels she cannot survive another heartbreak where he is concerned. To Jack Pappas, Sandy is the one who got away. With a little matchmaking by Sandy’s sister, Jack and Sandy find themselves in each other’s company. Can Jack convince Sandy to give him a second chance? Will Sandy open her heart to love once again? 

Christmas at Saltwater Cove is a standalone novella which welcomes new readers as well as old friends to the Westcott Bay series. I haven’t read any of the books in the Westcott Bay series, however, I was not lost with the characters and their relationships and history. I enjoyed Sandy and Jack together as they rekindle their romance. I enjoyed the holiday festivities of the book especially now that the Christmas season is here. It was a quick read for a cozy afternoon of reading. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the other books in this series. If you enjoy small towns, Christmas festivities and a second chance romance, I highly recommend Christmas at Saltwater Cove. 

Christmas at Saltwater Cove is available in paperback and eBook. 

The Lighthouse: five friends reunite as secrets and pasts are revealed

The Lighthouse is the first book in the Five Island Cove series by Jesse Newton. After the death of a childhood mentor, five best friends reluctantly reunite in their small coastal hometown of Five Island Cove. Surprises await them as they discover love, strength and secrets buried at the lighthouse. When Joel Shields dies from a long illness, Robin Grover calls on her four childhood best friends to come back to Five Island Cove. Alice Keller comes instantly as she seeks to escape the prison that her Hamptons mansion has become. Eloise Hall comes as she is at loose ends for the summer. What she doesn’t expect is to run into her high school crush and find a flame that wasn’t there before. However, Kelli Thompson and AJ Proctor are more resistant. When secrets are uncovered in Joel’s files, the four friends find themselves confronting their pasts and their own personal secrets. Can these five women learn what really matters? 

The Lighthouse started off strong and wavered as the story progressed. The opening chapter definitely hooked me as I was intrigued by what happened to drive four of the five friends from the island. However, as each friend is introduced, the story becomes too overwhelming. There were way too many characters being introduced with too much history thrown out. I found myself not caring about the characters and their struggles and their possible redemption and revelations. As I struggled to read, I turned to the reviews to see if other readers had my same issues. One review caught my eye as the reviewer classified this book as a romance. While one of the characters has a romantic storyline, there is just too much going on to classify it as a romance. I would classify this book as more women’s fiction than a romance. Overall, I did not enjoy The Lighthouse. I will not be continuing with this series. 

The Lighthouse is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Starting Over: the Gray family and the citizens of Hart's Ridge must find hope and strength in the darkness

Starting Over is the eighth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. In the aftermath of the events of Hello Goodbye, the Gray family bands together in unwavering strength and resilience as a crisis appears to threaten to tear them apart once again. As a new case hits the small town of Hart’s Ridge a little too close to home, the Gray family and the rest of Hart’s Ridge must come together and find the courage and hope to keep going and start fresh. A local woman is taken while shopping and it becomes a race against time to find her and bring her home safe and sound. With every picture and facade being questioned and bonds tested by secrets, they can ever feel secure again. Will the Gray family and the citizens of Hart’s Ridge find strength and hope in the darkness of tragedy? Can they move forward as a family with love and forgiveness? 

When Kay Bratt first announced her new series, she originally planned for eight books. The overwhelming support and response for the Gray family and this series, she announced that she is continuing the series. And I am so happy! I can see how Starting Over was supposed to be a send off for the Gray family; but, there are still so many stories to be told in this tiny little hamlet. The main case of the story took my breath away as I awaited their resolution with every twist and turn. I wish I could talk about my reaction to the resolution but no spoilers! I will definitely be waiting for book nine and future books in this heart pounding series. If you have not started the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend starting with book one, Hart’s Ridge, which is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. If you have read the Hart’s Ridge series, you will not be disappointed with Starting Over! 

Starting Over is available in eBook

Beach House Romance: healing the past, building their dreams and maybe a future together

Beach House Romance is the first book in the Seahaven trilogy by Cora Seton. Emma Miller is 27 and at rock bottom. She’s broke, homeless, and trying to start over with a mountain of debt. Until one day, she learns that she and her estranged sister have inherited their grandmother’s beachside bed and breakfast, Brightview, and the Cliff Garden, she is thrilled. She will cook and run the B&B and Ashley can tend the garden. She finally sees a light at the end of the tunnel. Until he comes to Seahaven. Noah Hudson is 33 and a newly minted millionaire. He recently sold his shares in a successful business and can finally focus on his passions. His older brother, Andrew, is an architect and Noah will give him an unlimited budget to build a luxurious home on one of the last undeveloped oceanfront properties. There’s one snag. The property he just purchased is next to Brightview. Emma is furious to learn that her sister sold the Cliff Garden but can’t deny her attraction to Noah, an attraction that Noah replicates. Can they find a way to heal the past, build their dreams and maybe a future together? 

Beach House Romance is the first book I have read by Cora Seton, a name I recognize from various sites. I love beach reads. I love romance. So I was excited by this book. The story started off well and I was intrigued by Emma and Noah, their various life situations and troubling pasts. However, that intrigue quickly faded into frustrations as the chapters were long with changes back and forth in perspectives from Emma to Noah and back. This constant changing back and forth made the chapters way too long and bogged down. The story was fairly predictable, as most romances are, however, it was boring getting them. There were also way too many secondary chapters. I understand the author was trying to establish the community of characters but it got confusing. Even the romance was a bit bland for a romance novel. Overall, I was disappointed and I will not be continuing this trilogy. I am also reluctant to pick another Cora Seton book in the future. If you are a fan of Cora Seton, you may enjoy Beach House Romance. However, I did not enjoy it and do not recommend Beach House Romance. 

Beach House Romance is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Let It Be Me: a friends to lovers, age gap romance

Let it Be Me by Kait Nolan is the first book in the Men of Misfit Inn series. Four years ago, Caleb Romero and Emerson Aldridge were thrown together after a tragedy. When her best friend died in a car accident, Emerson gained custody of her teenage daughter and focused her life on Fiona’s care. Caleb believes he met the woman of his dreams, however, the timing was bad, so he was content being Emerson’s friend in her time of need. Now Fiona is headed off to college and Emerson finds herself at a crossroad. After one toe curling kiss, Emerson and Caleb find themselves heading into a new phase of their relationship. The only thing stopping Emerson is their age difference, can Caleb convince her that it means nothing? 

Let it Be Me is a friends to lovers, age gap romance. The book opens with an emotional car accident which leaves Fiona orphaned and Emerson suddenly a single mother with Caleb, their rescuer and new friend. After the first chapter, the story fast forwards 4 years later as Fiona is getting ready for college. That’s where the story fell flat. There is a slow burn romance and then there’s a slow romance. I was so bored reading this story that I found myself blanking. And this is the second time I tried to read this story. The first time, I thought it was me and decided to give it another try at a later date. The second time, I realized my first impressions were correct. Overall, I did not enjoy Let It Be Me. 

Let It Be Me is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Calloway Cove: can coming home bring a dream to life?

Calloway Cove by Tia Souders is the first book in the Bayshore Beach series. Andi Calloway is tired. As she lays her mother to rest, she is at a crossroad. Her mother’s dying wish was that Andi return home to Calloway Cove and pursue her dream of becoming a published author. Does she head back to her tiny apartment in New York or does she honor her mother’s dying wish? When she learns that literary legend Ford Delaney is staying in town and needs an assistant, she believes this is the sign she needed. She can work for him and spend her free time writing her own book. However, it doesn’t work out as easily as she hoped. Andi’s boyfriend, Peter, doesn’t support her decision and pressures her to return to New York. Her childhood friends are battling private situations and she develops an attraction to her new boss which adds to an already difficult situation. 

Calloway Cove is described as a “clean, lightly angsty, romance” with “a heroine running towards a new future, a hero running from a troubled past, and all the friends who help them along the way.” The story started off strong and interesting, unfortunately, it fell quickly. While I enjoyed the small town feel and Andi’s family history to the area, I found myself not caring about Andi, Ford, and the other characters. I’ve read books where the main character is an aspiring author and it was believable and enjoyable. I enjoy seeing the behind the scenes of writing. However, I just didn’t see Andi as an author. I was annoyed at her behavior and excuses. I enjoyed Ford a bit more. I understand the secrecy Ford is desiring and wants to make sure Andi keeps his presence secrets, but does she? Overall, I did not enjoy Calloway Cove and will not continue the series. 

Calloway Cove is available in paperback and eBook

Promise of Tomorrow: forbidden love, family secrets and second chances

Promise of Tomorrow by Tess Thompson is the second book of the Castaway Christmas series. Millicent Cashmere appears to have a life of luxury as the only child of the wealthy family. However, she is a literal prisoner in her father’s mansion. She is forbidden to have friends or go to school. Her only company is books. Teddy Hill is the humble son of the Cashmere chauffeur. He admired Millicent from afar for years. When a series of tragic events brings them closer Teddy is determined to protect Millicent and rescue her from her prison. As family secrets reveal themselves, can she finally break free from the darkness that has filled her life? Can they find a way to forge a life together in the face of the worst circumstances? 

Promise of Tomorrow is a historical fiction about forbidden love, family secrets and second chances. It is a story of resilience and the power of love and community. I wanted to reach through the book and rescue Millicent myself. As the attitudes of the time, the book takes place in 1914, daughters were property of their father, with very little voice. I cheered as Teddy stepped up and helped Millicent out of a horrible situation. Seeing their slow growing love story was wonderful. I enjoyed visiting Castaway Cove and the characters from the first book, Come Tomorrow. Readers do not need to read the first book to enjoy Promise of Tomorrow, however, I highly recommend it as it is another wonderful story. I highly recommend Promise of Tomorrow. 

Promise of Tomorrow is available in paperback and eBook. 

A Promise to Remember: a tragedy and its aftermath

A Promise to Remember is a book in the Tomorrow’s Promise collection by Kathryn Cushman. When a tragic car accident kills two teenage boys from different economic classes, the aftermath threatens to tear apart a community as people start to take sides. Melanie Johnston is a grieving single mother. She is convinced that her son, Jeff, will be forgotten. Melanie is determined to make sure her son has a legacy to remember, Andie Phelps is a quiet woman who seemingly lives a life without any worry. After the death of her son, Chad, she retreats into her sorrow and pain, hiding from the world. As Melanie sues for wrongful death, their small seaside community starts to draw the battle lines. Both women must fight her own grief and pain, finding themselves struggling with faith and moving forward. Lives are forever changed with one simple decision. 

A Promise to Remember is a difficult read. Filled with emotion, tough questions about fairness, faith, and what it means to have a legacy. Sympathizing with both women was easy, however, their choices raise questions about privilege, expectations and societal prejudices. Melanie and Andie were both relatable and realistic as grieving mothers whose social standing influenced their opinions and actions. The secondary characters are wonderful too as they play into the social prejudice, thinking they had right on their side. A certain character decides to play dirty and brings up a sordid past in order to discredit the other mother.  I enjoyed the discussions of faith, heaven and a legacy worth leaving behind. A Promise to Remember is a story of forgiveness without being overly preachy.  There were a few tears as I read, especially near the end. I highly recommend A Promise to Remember. 

A Promise to Remember is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Someone to Trust: an inspirational story about faith, hope and joy

Someone to Trust is the second book in the Life Unexpected trilogy by Melanie D. Snitker. Chess Summers never got a “real” family growing up. Entering the foster care system at a young age and he grew up feeling alone. As an adult, he created a makeshift family with other former foster kids that finally gave Chess the sense of belonging. However when his insecurities from the past threaten his future, Chess sees everything he holds dear begin to fall away. Brooke Pierce has had a tough life but her trust in Christ has kept her going. She has harbored a crush for Chess but he has made it clear that he saw no future for them. When Chess begins to see Brooke differently and as Brooke starts to move on, Chess must ask himself the difficult questions, especially his own doubts about God and faith. 

Someone to Trust is a wonderful inspirational Christian novel that hits the tough questions about the power of faith, hope, and the joy found in redemption. I enjoyed Chess as he struggles with his doubts and the honesty in his questions. I also enjoyed the answers that he received as real and honest. There was no flowery, everything will be perfect in their answers but faith helps the struggles lighter. One of my favorite quotes from Chess’s brother, Joel, as he answers Chess’s questions: “We can’t control what happens around us, Chess, but we can control the choices we make in the midst of it all.” So very true! I devoured this book and I look forward to reading the third and final book in the trilogy.  I highly recommend Someone to Trust as well as the first book in the trilogy, Safe in His Arms.

Someone to Trust is available in paperback and eBook

Wild With You: a small town romance with a bit of spice

Wild With You is the first book in the Light My Fire series by JH Croix. Madison Glen’s life in Houston has fallen apart. When she learns that she inherited her late grandfather’s lodge cabin in Willow Brook, Alaska, she saw it as a sign for a new beginning. When she meets Graham Holden, a grumpy hotshot firefighter, she feels an attraction she wasn’t prepared for. He’s a single dad with a sassy teenage daughter, Allie, and tells himself that he doesn’t need the distraction of Madison. When they discover they are neighbors, they find themselves running into each other more and more. As Madison and Allie draw closer, Graham finds his heart softening toward Madison. Will he take a chance on love? 

Wild With You is a slow born, small town romance. It was a sweet story with a bit of spice. I was hooked from the beginning. I enjoyed Madison’s integrity and sense of adventures as she leaves Houston for the wildness of Alaska. I also enjoyed Graham as a man of integrity who faced challenges head on. I liked all the secondary characters including his daughter, Allie. The small town of Willow Brook sounds like a wonderful place to visit or even live. Overall, I enjoyed Wild With You and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy small town romance with a bit of spice, I recommend Wild With You. 

Wild With You is available in paperback and eBook

The Mechanics of Mistletoe: a second chance romance

The Mechanics of Mistletoe by Liz Isaacson is the first book in the Shiloh Ridge Ranch in Three Rivers #1. Bear Glover can be a grizzly or a teddy bear. He always thought he was content working the family ranch but when he develops a crush on Samantha Benton, he decides it’s time to act on it. Samantha “Sammy” is a genius with a wrench who can fix just about anything. She struggles being the strong one in her family as she has custody of her orphaned nephew and taking care of her aging parents. When Bear asks her out, she is surprised but thrilled. While their first date is considered a disaster, they can’t stop thinking about each other. When a series of tornadoes hit their small town, Bear is determined to have a second chance with Sammy. Will this be their second chance at love? 

The Mechanics of Mistletoe is a clean, Christian second chance romance. I liked Bear as the eldest brother who takes care of his family and responsibilities at the cost of his personal life. I cheered him on as he decided to take a chance with Sammy. However, I did not like Sammy. I admired her strength to take care of her nephew and her parents following her sister’s death; however, she mentions it all the time! I didn’t like her stubborn independence as she resists Bear’s help. I loved how Bear was determined to show her that asking for or accepting help isn’t a weakness. Overall, as I closed the story, I was left ambivalent about The Mechanics of Mistletoe. However, I know I most likely will not finish this series. However, if you enjoy small town, faith-based second chance romance, you may enjoy The Mechanics of Mistletoe. 

The Mechanics of Mistletoe is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Caroling into Murder: snow, Christmas and murder!

Caroling into Murder by Jamie Rutland Gillespie is the fourth book in the Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery series. The Christmas season has arrived in the quaint mountain town. Decorated with snow and all the festive trimmings, Landry Burke is excited to join in all the small town activities. One night, while caroling, Landry and her friends discover Paul Harcourt, badly injured. As he is rushed to the hospital, they are left wondering what happened and who would be responsible? When news breaks that Mr Harcourt did not survive, the town faces another murder investigation as they try to come on with the festive season. There isn’t a shortage of suspects as the past of the quiet, loner Paul Harcourt comes to light and new, unfamiliar faces appear in town. Will the identity of the killer be discovered before another victim is taken? 

The Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery series is filled with mysteries of twists and turns, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the end. It is also filled with a small town of quirky characters that seem to get into humorous and unfortunate situations that will leave readers smiling and laughing out loud. I enjoyed Landry’s confrontation with a tenant who seemed to believe the rules don't apply to her. I cheered as Landry held her ground and refused to be intimidated. I even enjoyed the surprise arrival at Landry’s door as the story closed. I guess I need to read book 5 to discover his or her motives. Overall, I enjoyed this story and seeing Landry and her friends as they enjoyed the holiday season. I recommend Caroling into Murder and the previous three books of the series. 

Caroling into Murder is available in paperback and eBook

Salome: a mother who sought greatness for her sons and got a lesson in service

Salome was the mother of the Zebedees. John and James were called the Sons of Thunder by Jesus and were two of the three chosen to accompany him on the mountain during the Transfiguration. Her husband and sons operated a prosperous fishing business when Jesus called John and James to join his ministry. She became a devoted follower of Christ. She held the common misconception that the Messiah would drive out the Romans and establish a literal kingdom. Salome would stand with other women at the foot of the cross and witness the horrific death of Jesus. She would also be among the women to hear the good news of the resurrection from the angel at the tomb. However, people know her story as the mother who requested special favors for her sons and received a lesson in what it truly means to be great. 

Knowing that Jesus had nicknamed her sons, the Sons of Thunder, that he had seen greatness in John and James. Why else would they be included in his inner circle with Simon Peter? Jesus had even taken them up the mountain and she had seen their faces when they returned. She had heard their stories about the event on the mountain. Salome then took the opportunity to ask for a special request. She begged Jesus to allow her sons to sit at his side in his kingdom. While Salome was probably thinking she was asking for what she thought would make her sons happy, she did not truly understand the gravity of her request. Jesus’s reply is a lesson on what it means to be great in his kingdom. Later, she would be at the foot of the cross and watch in horror as Jesus breathed his last. Did she remember her request? Did she finally understand what Jesus meant? Did she think about her sons’ futures in horror? Whatever sadness and grief she felt that day would be replaced with joy as she would be among the group of women to hear the angel’s proclamation of the Resurrection. 

Mothers are held in high regard in the Scriptures. While a woman, as a wife, answers to her husband, the rest of the household answers to her. Her primary duty was to produce and care for the children. A mother generally nursed her children for three years and totally cared for at least six years. It would be then that the children would join in helping with either the family business, as sons would join their father in the fields or a trade, and daughters would join their mother with the household tasks. Given the importance of mothers to a child’s early years, it makes sense that Salome still saw it as her role to help promote her sons. A bit misguided? Probably. She could be described as a bulldozer mom. Everyone knows a helicopter mom but do you know a bulldozer mom? According to Sharon Wilharm, a bulldozer mom is a mom who wants the best for their child and will do whatever it takes to make it happen (2021). Instead of encouraging John and James to seek a place of importance in the kingdom, she went straight to Jesus herself. What was wrong with her request? 

Jesus would point out that she did not know what she was asking (Matthew 20:22). He tells her and his disciples that they will suffer as he will (Matthew 20:23) and he gives the lesson to those who want to be great. Simply to be first you must serve. To lower yourself to serve and not to be served (Matthew 20:25-28). He teaches the true meaning of greatness: to serve. Servanthood has been vilified in our culture as very unhealthy, especially women as wives and mothers. However, both men and women are called to model Christ and serve others. The rewards we received in heaven will not be favors. They are given to those who maintained their commitment to Jesus in spite of severe trials. Severe trials could be the loss of friends, family, jobs even the loss of our very lives as we sustain and nurture our commitment to Jesus. Humbling oneself to serve others is not a form of low self-esteem or unworthiness. It is a sign of great love. The greatness of a person among us is the servant to all. When you serve others in big and small ways, you serve Jesus. 

In conclusion, Salome’s story is about a mother and a request and a lesson about what it means to be great. Salome was a mother who saw her sons in a place of importance and she decided to insure their important place. As a mother who saw what she thought would be good for her sons and tried to put a plan into motion, she became a lesson to parents everywhere that eventually our children must put their dreams, ambitions and plans into motion without our unsolicited help. But there is a more important lesson in Salome’s story. Heavenly rewards are not granted, they are earned. When you are persecuted for Jesus, you will reap rewards in heaven (Matthew 5:12). It is a reminder that even when service to others may be overlooked and unappreciated by them, it is not overlooked and unappreciated by Him. 

References

Wilharm, Sharon (2021). Salome Mother of James and John. Sharon Wilharm.com. https://sharonwilharm.com/salome-mother-of-james-and-john/ Retrieved November 19, 2023.