Covering two MAMA’s at once definitely deserve two episodes. We could not take leave from this story of sister-wife drama without highlighting a moment of holy teamwork. Jacob, Leah and Rachel huddle up in the field and make a plan to save their children’s inheritance. Twelve boys definitely equals a basketball team but it also comprises God’s chosen tribes of Israel. We can be thankful for these MAMA’s of the Bible because it showcases one of the things God does so well; he steps into dysfunction and redeems our story. You are not benched because of the family you grew up in or the family you are growing. God sees you and has a game plan to use your experiences and your story to minister to other MAMA’s. Encouragement sometimes comes from a personal hurt that can be redirected to love on someone else in a moment of deep need. Take heart today, MAMA, God has a spot for you in his grand adventure.

Mentions:

• Leah’s name can mean ‘wild cow’ or weary and she had 8 sons – Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun and 2 more by her servant, Zilpah, named Gad and Asher
• Leah also had one girl named Dinah
• Rachel’s name means ‘ewe’ or sheep and she had 4 sons – Joshua and Benjamin and 2 more by her servant, Bilhah, named Dan and Naphtali
• In Genesis 32:28 God changes Jacob’s name to Israel and his 10 sons and 2 grandsons make up the 12 tribes of Israel (Levi became the priesthood and Joshua’s portion was doubled because he was sold into slavery and eventually saved his family from famine. Joshua’s son were Ephraim and Manasseh.)
• The original Parent Trap is one of Rebecca’s favorite movies and definitely hints at the enmity between Leah and Rachel that morphed into teamwork for good
• The Henderson house loves the phrase ‘teamwork makes the dreamwork’ and this story is a great example of that

Gospel Truth:

• Genesis 31
• 1 Corinthians 12 tells us we are one body with many parts
• Hebrews 10:25

Action Steps:

• Ask God to whisper to you about someone that needs a kind word.
• Encourage a MAMA today.
• Don’t judge, but show compassion and lift one another up.

What’s your ONE THING?