Tony’s Soldiers of Light Sundays: The Women Who Carried the Light — A Mother’s Day Celebration

On this beautiful Mother’s Day, we honor not just the women who gave us life, but the ones who carried the Light when darkness tried to settle in. We salute the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, godmothers, and spiritual mothers who kept the flame of faith burning when the winds of life blew hard.

Whether she stood behind a pulpit or at a kitchen sink, whether she marched in protests or whispered prayers over cribs and cracked doors, she carried the light. And that light—Christ’s light—shined through her words, her touch, her discipline, her wisdom, and her sacrifices.

Light-Bearing Mothers of the Bible: From the Beginning to the Cross

Before Mary cradled the Messiah, there were mothers who cradled prophets, priests, judges, and kings. These women lit paths through peril, pain, and promise:

• Eve — The mother of all living. Though she experienced great loss, her line carried the seed of redemption.

  
  

• Sarah — Who birthed Isaac in her old age, proving that God's promises are never expired.

  
  

• Rebekah — Whose guidance helped shape the destiny of nations through her sons.

  
  

• Jochebed — The brave mother of Moses who hid him from Pharaoh's edict and set him afloat by faith.

  
  

• Hannah — Who cried, prayed, and then gave her miracle son Samuel back to the Lord.

  
  

• Ruth — A Moabite widow turned mother in the lineage of David and Jesus.

Then came Mary, who said yes to God in the face of scandal, fear, and uncertainty. She raised the Messiah not with fanfare but with humble obedience. She stayed near the cross when others fled and visited the tomb when hope seemed buried.

Mary reminds us that motherhood is a ministry—one that carries life and light into the world.

Modern-Day Light Bearers: Mothers of Faith

Today’s world is no less challenging than Mary’s, but faithful women continue to rise. Their weapons are not swords or shields, but prayers, praise, patience, and persistence.

• The single mom who works two jobs but still teaches her children about Jesus.

  
  

• The grandmother raising her grandchildren, praying over them with trembling hands.

  
  

• The bonus mom who loves with full heart and open arms.

  
  

• The spiritual mother mentoring young believers with truth and tenderness.

These women build altars in ordinary spaces, creating homes where light dwells and love endures.

In Scripture and in Life: Women Who Shined in the Dark

• Hannah — who gave her son back to God and birthed a prophet.

  
  

• Naomi — who mentored Ruth and found joy after bitterness.

  
  

• The Shunammite Woman — who held on to her faith when her child died and saw resurrection.

  
  

• Lois and Eunice — Timothy’s grandmother and mother, who passed down unshakable faith.

We see them in our lives too: the matriarchs of our families, the prayer warriors in our churches, the women who stood in the gap when fathers were absent, and the encouragers who saw greatness in us before we ever believed it ourselves.

In S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™

The S.O.L.A.D.™ universe is filled with women who mother the mission.

• Juanita Grayson (Angeline) leads with conviction and compassion, guiding others with the strength of a seasoned intercessor.

  
  

• Melanie carries the weight of responsibility and love, fighting with heart and holy fire.

  
  

• Kandace Edwards — Kevin's mother, a woman of great faith who modeled strength, grace, and resilience. Her prayers shaped the man Kevin became.

  
  

• Kevin’s Grandmother, Isabella — A quiet but mighty matriarch, whose spiritual legacy and unwavering belief in God anchored her family through storms. Her wisdom and faith flow through every generation.

These characters remind us that motherhood isn’t only biological—it’s spiritual, emotional, and revolutionary.

What the Word Says About Mothers

Scripture is rich with praise and instruction about mothers. Here are just a few powerful reminders:

• Proverbs 31:28–29 (NKJV) — “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.’”

  
  

• Isaiah 66:13 (NKJV) — “As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you.”

  
  

• Proverbs 1:8–9 (NKJV) — “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.”

  
  

• 2 Timothy 1:5 (NKJV) — “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”

As these verses show, mothers are not only nurturers—they are spiritual leaders and light-bearers in every generation.

A Mother's Legacy: Living Light in Every Generation

Today, we light candles in our hearts for:

• The mothers still with us, teaching and touching.

  
  

• The mothers who have gone on, leaving footprints of faith.

  
  

• The mothers we’ve become and the ones who mother us.

We carry their prayers in our bones. We remember their songs in our sleep. And we honor their legacy by shining our own light just as they

did.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the women who have been lamps in our lives. Strengthen every mother today—those who birthed, raised, loved, and prayed.

Remind them that nothing sown in love is ever lost and every seed of faith will bloom in due season.

Let them know they are seen, valued, anointed, and deeply loved.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman who carries the Light.

To explore stories of courage, purpose, and spiritual legacy, visit the Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™ book series at:www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop