8 Lies of A Mother – A Short Spiritual Story

The story began when I was a child; I was a son of a poor family. We did not even have enough food. When ever meal times came, mother would often give me her portion of rice. While she was removing her rice into my bowl, she would say “Eat this rice, son. I'm not hungry.”

That was Mother's First Lie.

When I was growing up, my persevering mother gave her spare time to go fishing in a river near our house, she hoped that from the fish she caught, she could gave me a little bit of nutritious food for my growth. After fishing, she would cook some fresh fish soup, which raised my appetite. While I was eating the soup, mother would sit beside me and eat the rest of the fish, which was still on the bone of the fish I had eaten. My heart was touched when I saw that. I then used my chopstick and gave the other fish to her. But she immediately refused and said “Eat this fish, son. I don't really like fish.”

That was Mother's Second Lie.

Then, when I was in Junior High School, to fund my studies, mother went to an economic enterprise to bring some used-match boxes that would need to be stuck together. It gave her some money to cover our needs. As the winter came, I woke up from my sleep and looked at my mother who was still awake, supported by a little candlelight and with perseverance she would continue the work of sticking some used-match boxes. I said, “Mother, go to sleep, it's late, tomorrow morning you still have to go to work.” Mother smiled and said “Go to sleep, dear. I'm not tired.”

That was Mother's Third Lie.

The final term arrived….. ..Mother asked for leave from work in order to accompany me. While the sun was starting to shine strongly, my persevering mother waited for me under the heat for several hours. As the bell rang, which indicated that the final exam had finished, mother immediately welcomed me and poured me a cup of tea that she had brought in a flask. Seeing my mother covered with perspiration, I at once gave her my cup and asked her to drink too. Mother said “Drink, son. I'm not thirsty!”

That was Mother's Fourth Lie.

After the death of my father due to illness, my poor mother had to play her role as a single parent. She had to fund our needs alone. Our family's life was more complicated. No days without suffering. Our family's condition was getting worse, a kind uncle who lived near our house assisted now and then. Our neighbors often advised my mother to marry again. But mother was stubborn and didn't take their advice; she said “I don't need love.”

That was Mother's Fifth Lie.

After I had finished my studies and got a job, it was the time for my old mother to retire. But she didn't want to; she would go to the market place every morning, just to sell some vegetables to fulfill her needs. I, who worked in another city, often sent her some money to help her, in fulfilling her needs, but she would not accept the money. At times, she even sent the money back to me. She said “I have enough money.”

That was Mother's Sixth Lie.

After graduating with a Bachelors Degree, I then continued to do a Masters Degree. It was funded by a company through a scholarship program. I finally worked in the company. With a good salary, I intended to bring my mother to enjoy her life in Gulf. But my lovely mother didn't want to bother her son. She said to me, “I'm not used to it.”

That was Mother's Seventh Lie.

In her old age, mother got stomach cancer and had to be hospitalized. I, who lived miles away, across the ocean, went home to visit my dearest mother. She lay in weakness on her bed after having an operation. Mother, who looked so old, was staring at me in deep thought. She tried to spread her smile on her face…but it was a noticeable effort. It was clear that the disease had weakened mother's body. She looked so frail and weak. I stared at my mother with tears flowing. My heart was hurt,… so hurt, seeing my mother in that condition. But mother with the little strength she had, said “Don't cry, my dear. I'm not in pain.”

That was Mother's Eighth and Last Lie. After saying her eighth lie, my Dearest mother closed her eyes forever

Special thanks to Jessica A. for sharing this spiritual story with us!

The author of this spiritual story is unknown and greatly appreciated. If you know who wrote this, or can provide a source that we can cite then please contact us and let us know!

If you liked this story, you'll love this! We've compiled a list of the top 10 spiritual stories that our readers love. You can read them here.

What Is the Spiritual Meaning of “The 8 Lies of a Mother” Story?

The story of a mother's selfless sacrifices and silent courage transcends the mere narrative, echoing the profound spiritual teachings woven within the fabric of existence.

It reveals the essence of selflessness—the unspoken sacrifices made by a mother for the well-being and happiness of her child. In her humble actions and self-effacing gestures lies a spiritual resonance that resonates across time and space—a resonance that speaks of unconditional love, unwavering devotion, and the quiet strength found within the depths of a mother's heart.

Each lie she uttered was a testament to her undying love, an expression of her willingness to bear the burdens of life silently, shielding her child from the harsh realities that beset her. Her lies weren't fabrications; they were veils cast over her sacrifices, shielding her child from worry and pain.

Her life journey embodies the spiritual essence of selflessness and sacrifice, echoing the profound teachings of compassion, resilience, and the enduring power of a mother's love. It underscores the sacredness of unconditional giving—a giving that asks for nothing in return, that seeks no recognition, but flows forth from the purest depths of the heart.

In her lies, we encounter a profound spiritual lesson—a lesson that transcends the superficial layers of life, urging us to perceive the world through the lens of compassion and empathy. It beckons us to recognize and honor the silent heroes in our lives, to embrace the lessons of sacrifice and selflessness they impart, and to cultivate within ourselves the virtues of unconditional love and unwavering support.

Furthermore, her final moments, marked by grace and resilience in the face of adversity, unveil the spiritual fortitude that resides within every soul. Despite her physical frailty, her spirit remained resolute, offering solace and reassurance to her beloved child, even in her last moments.

Ultimately, this story invites us to reflect on the profound spiritual principles that guide our existence—to embrace the virtues of love, sacrifice, and compassion. It urges us to cherish and honor the unsung heroes in our lives, to embody the selflessness and resilience that define the essence of the human spirit.

In the eternal tapestry of life, the story of a mother's lies encapsulates the sacred truths that govern our spiritual evolution—a testament to the enduring legacy of love that transcends the boundaries of time and mortality.

Personal Reflection Questions

Spiritual stories are an opportunity to reflect on your own life. Here are 10 questions you can use to go deeper with the teachings in this story:

1. Reflect on moments in your own childhood where sacrifices were made for your well-being. How does the story of the mother giving her portion of rice resonate with the selfless acts of those who cared for you in your early years?
2. Explore the theme of selflessness in the story, as the mother sacrifices her own share of fish and works late into the night for her child's education. In what ways have you witnessed or experienced acts of selflessness in your own life?
3. Contemplate the lies told by the mother, each motivated by a desire to protect and provide for her child. How does this storytelling technique convey the depth of a mother's love and sacrifice?
4. Consider the mother's resilience in sticking used-match boxes to fund her child's education. How does this perseverance inspire you to overcome challenges in your own life, and what sacrifices are you willing to make for the well-being of those you love?
5. Reflect on the mother's refusal to remarry after the death of her husband. How does her determination to play the role of a single parent impact your understanding of love and resilience in the face of adversity?
6. Explore the complexity of the mother's refusal to accept financial help even when facing financial difficulties. How does this refusal shape your perspective on pride, independence, and the strength of character?
7. Contemplate the mother's response to her son's job and financial success, rejecting the idea of retiring to enjoy a more comfortable life. How does this refusal align with her sense of self and purpose, and what can you learn from her choices?
8. Delve into the heartbreaking moment of the mother's illness and her attempt to reassure her child by saying she's not in pain. How does this final lie encapsulate the mother's enduring strength and love, even in the face of mortality?
9. Reflect on the impact of distance and separation as the son, living across the ocean, witnesses his mother's declining health. How does this resonate with your own experiences of distance and longing for loved ones?
10. Consider the overall message of the story—the lies that reveal deeper truths about a mother's love, sacrifice, and strength. How can these reflections inspire you to appreciate and reciprocate the love and sacrifices of those who have played significant roles in your life?