I know the influence a mother has on the lives of men– I see and hear of it often from other men, and I know of it from my own story.  Our mothers shape parts of who we are, and who we are becoming.  The evidence is strong:

“A mother serves as a significant role model, demonstrating behaviors, values, and life skills that a son can emulate. She can inspire her son to dream big, pursue his goals, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. A man’s relationship with his mother can influence his understanding of relationships with women and his ability to form healthy and fulfilling partnerships. Even as a man matures and establishes his own family, the influence of his mother is lifelong and can continue to shape his values, behaviors, and relationships.”

I believe a son becomes a man who understands women, relationships, life, faith, and even God, in large part, through the lens of how he sees and what he has observed in his own mother.  Even if the time is short, her influence on his life is great.

Her Faithfulness

From my perspective, the greatest impact a mother leaves on her son’s life is her faithfulness.

I’ve observed my own mother’s faithfulness over decades.  As a child, I remember seeing her on her knees praying, regularly. I knew her faithfulness, not only to God, but towards me, personally.  I experienced how she served me and my entire family, in love, day in and day out.  I observed (and still do) her faithfulness towards others, serving and helping so many people along her way.

My mother’s footprints are big, because they are filled with the lives of those she has served and been generous in love towards.

They are imprinted on my heart, because of her faithfulness.

Thank you, mom!

Moving Forward

Mothers, you are powerfully influencing the next generation of men.  You are raising sons who can become healthy, confident, secure, loving, and serving men, by your faithful example.  Mothers, YOU are essential!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Alex Gerber
May 10, 2026