Fathers Honoring Mothers

He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the Lord judge between you and me.” “Your slave is in your hands,” Abram said. “Do with her whatever you think is best.” Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her. (Genesis 16:4-6)
 
One of the most crucial details of Abraham’s life is one that is often ignored by many. Abraham actually had 8 children with 3 different women. There was a lot of stress and drama for everyone involved, and I believe much of it is tied to Abraham’s failure to honor these women.  
 
He shouldn’t have given Sarai away to Pharaoh as if she was property in Genesis 12. He shouldn’t have dismissed Hagar by sending her off with just a little food and a canteen of water in Genesis 21. And he should have done more to esteem Keturah, the mother of 6 of his children.  
 
Abraham could have stepped up and stopped all of the drama and tension that existed between Sarah and Hagar had he been courageous enough to give due honor to the mothers of his children. Once Ishmael was born, Hagar was no longer just a handmaiden. She was a mother and his responsibility. Their time together may have just been for one night, but once the baby arrives, she is now the mother of his child and is worthy of dignity, honor, and respect whether they were together or not.  
 
Fathers, if at all possible, and however possible, honor the mother who gives birth to the children in your life, for there is a blessing in that, and you will honor your Heavenly Father in doing so.