A Mother's Voice: Heard, Known, Loved

What goats, sheep, and Scripture teach us about God's perfect design

On our farm, we just wrapped up kidding and lambing season, and even in the animal kingdom, nothing compares to the bond between mother and child. 

Here is one of my favorite pictures: as a mother goat or sheep cleans her baby for the first time, she is making what I call “mommy sounds.” This tender chorus of bleats and murmurs begins the bonding process. Mother and baby instinctively recognize each other's sounds and scent. Later, out in the pasture, if the mother calls, her baby will come running, no names needed. To my ears, all the calls sound similar, but to them, it's unmistakable. That's my mom!

We decided to try a little experiment with some human mothers. We recorded each mother’s greeting, then had their children listen without any hints or names. Sure enough, every child immediately recognized their mother's voice.

Science tells us that the ability to hear and recognize sound begins as early as our time in the womb. Scripture says the same thing in a more beautiful way - Psalms 139 tells us that God designed and created you for your child and your child for you. 

What an amazing thought - your family is no accident. Mom, you may sometimes feel inadequate, you have exactly what it takes to be everything your child needs.

No one can take the place of a mom.  In Genesis 1:26 and 27, God says, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…male and female God created them.”  We are all made in the image of God with body, soul, and spirit. Chapter 2 gives us even more details: God created man from the dust of the ground and then breathed into him the breath of life, and later, fashioned Eve from Adam's side as His perfect counterpart. It takes both males and females to reflect God's image fully. And as women, we often express that image through deep nurturing, compassion, and care.  

We moms have an uncanny ability to multi-task!  I started by sharing a photo of one of our goats bonding with her baby, and I’ll end with a story of a remarkable mommy sheep whose multitasking takes it to the next level!

In the first photo, you'll see her cleaning one newborn while nursing another...all the while still in labor with a third!

The second picture captures her precious triplets minutes after birth.

Mommy sheep bonding with her newborns and multitasking. She is cleaning one, nursing one, and is in labor with the third.

The second picture shows her precious triplets just minutes after they were born.

Triplets are minutes old.

A Moment to Reflect

Just as a lamb knows her mother's voice, we are called to know the voice of our Heavenly Father. Jesus said in John 10:27, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

In a noisy world, it takes time and intentional listening to recognize His voice. The more we spend in His Word and prayer, the more quickly we will run to Him when He calls.

Mom, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure at times, but just as you are uniquely tuned to your child, God is perfectly tuned to you. He knows your voice, your heart, and your needs. And He has given you all you need to love and lead the children He has put in your care.

Happy Mother's Day!

May the Lord's blessing be upon each reader.

May He fill you with confidence, renew your strength, and increase your ability to love, nurture, and guide you as a mother.