Dear Longing Woman
In the Bible, I’m just a nameless tale,
Lost among seven others, my identity frail.
I share your anguish, your silent plea,
For a child to hold, to set your aching heart free.
Your gaze lingers on laughter, on tiny hands,
While inside, a barren landscape expands.
Scoffs echo, both near and far,
Yet I’ve borne that cross, felt the world’s cruel scar.
No fancy name, just known through kin,
But God chose me, despite where I’ve been.
Does a name matter when there is divine joy within?
Hold onto hope, keep your faith unwavering,
Every gift, even a child, is heaven’s favor bringing.
God hears your prayers, knows your deepest part,
In His plan, you play a special part.
So pray on, with steadfast trust,
For divine grace is forever just.
Love,
Samson’s Mother
Footnotes:
We meet Samson’s mother in the Bible like meeting a stranger in a store.
Sudden, no introductions whatsoever.
We don’t know her name or age, just that she couldn’t have children.
Judges 13:2 says,
A certain man of Zorah, named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, had a wife who was childless, unable to give birth.
I get so upset when there is no name given to the person. For the sake of the article, let’s call her ‘Sam’ (‘cos Sam’s son).
So, after this abrupt and vague introduction, something incredible happens to Sam: she’s face to face with an angel. And the angel tells her she’ll have a baby boy. But there are rules: no wine, no unclean food, and no cutting the boy’s hair. This baby will be special, dedicated to God from the start, destined to help save Israel from its enemies. (Judges 13:3-5)
Sam was the first to hear the big news about his birth straight from the angel of the Lord. Later on, the angel came back to tell both her and her husband together. But it was Sam who got the scoop first!
In simple terms, a Nazirite was someone who made a special promise to God, like saying, “I’m all yours!” This promise meant they had to follow some strict rules, like no wine, no eating certain foods, and not cutting their hair. They also couldn’t go near dead bodies.
Now, Sam didn’t just hear about these rules. Because she was told by an angel that her baby would be a Nazirite, she had to follow these rules too. It wasn’t just enough for her to carry Samson and tell him what it meant to be a Nazirite. She had to live it out herself, setting an example for him to follow. That’s a big deal because Samson was born to help save Israel from its enemies, the Philistines. This meant that Sam had to lead by example.
Sam has taught me some powerful lessons:
1. God Shows Up in Suffering: Even in the toughest times; when I feel like I’m struggling alone, I’ve learned that God is there. Just like He appeared to Samson’s mom in her distress, when she was longing for a child.
2. God Shows Up When I Pray: Prayer isn’t just talking to the ceiling; it’s a conversation with a God who listens and cares. Samson’s mom prayed, and God answered. That reminds me that when I pray, God hears and responds.
3. God Shows Up in Parenting: Raising kids isn’t easy. Whether it’s guidance, strength, or patience, God shows up to help navigate the challenges of parenting.
So, Sam’s story isn’t just about her—it’s about the faithfulness of God to show up in every aspect of our lives, especially when we need Him most.
A closing note to all the women who praying for child:
“He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.” – Psalm 113:9
You could be the lady at the baby shower, trying not to cry in the corner. Or the one who rushes past the baby stuff in the store. Maybe you sit quietly at the back of church on Mother’s Day, hoping nobody notices your sadness. Or you’re the young woman married for a while, dodging questions about why you don’t have kids yet. It might feel like you’re the only one still waiting for a baby miracle, but you’re not alone. God understands your pain, sees your tears every month, and knows how hard it is when you see just one pink line.
God isn’t punishing you. He doesn’t hate you, and you didn’t do anything to deserve this pain. He loves you so much, with a love that lasts forever (Jeremiah 31:3). You’re incredibly precious to Him, even when it’s hard to believe because of all the hurtful things others say, like what Peninnah did to Hannah. It breaks your heart every time you’re reminded that you’re not a mom yet.
But God knows. And when you ‘re wondering where He is in those tough moments, He’s right there with you. He’s holding you close, comforting you as you cry your heart out next to that negative pregnancy test. He promised in His word, “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).
And just like He came in for Sam, He will be there for you.
