A mother’s faith and prayer avails much

Justin Bieber in 2015 Credit: Lou Stejskal/Flickr/Creative Commons 2.0

In an Instagram post on Mother’s Day (May 9, 2021), international pop star, Justin Bieber, wished his mom, Pattie Mallette, a “Happy Mother’s Day.” But instead of focusing on his mother’s sacrifice to his 171 million followers, Justin shared the important role his mother played in Justin’s faith:

“Happy Mother’s Day Madre ! I could talk about all of the sacrifices that you made to take care of me but the most incredible thing you could have done was share with me the love of Jesus!”

Justin’s climb to international stardom started through videos that his mother initially posted on YouTube for family and friends. But as others found the videos and saw his talent, Justin’s popularity began to grow, until he was noticed by those in the music industry.

But as the fame took over his life, he was increasingly being caught up in the negativity that often comes with it.

For a few years, all we were reading about were Justin’s run-ins with the law and the latest scandal that overtook his life:

2012: He was charged with vandalism by Brazilian police after videos surfaced of Justin painting graffiti on a wall. Though he had received permission to paint the wall, it did not include the neighbouring wall of a hotel.
2013: He allegedly assaulted a limousine drive in Toronto Canada.
2014: He was accused of vandalizing a neighbour’s home in California after throwing several eggs at the home causing thousands of dollars of damage.
2014: He was pulled over for drag racing in Miami, Florida and charged with driving under the influence (marijuana, prescription drugs and alcohol), driving with an expired license and resisting arrest.
2014: Police arrested Justin in Stratford, Ontario for dangerous driving, as he was out on his ATV.

But just as quickly as it started, the negative news suddenly subsided and rumours started circulating that Justin was turning his life around as he renewed his faith in Christ. There were reports of him going to church, getting water baptized and attending worship music conferences.

And on his Instagram post, Justin attributed this dramatic turn around to his mother:

“For a few years out of my own pride thought I had it figured out only to fall flat on my face. It was there when I remembered what you taught me, JESUS LOVES AND FORGIVES ME. That saved my life and now I walk with him everywhere that I go!”

It’s a powerful testimony on the profound impact a mother’s faith can have on her children, that is all the more outstanding when you understand Patti was a teen mum who struggled with her own addictions when she had Justin.

Patti became a Christian while in hospital after a suicide attempt. A few months later, she became pregnant with Justin.

Though an unwed mother, she was totally accepted by the church she was attending at the time, then called Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship. This was the home to the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the 1990s that became known as the Toronto Blessing or revival.

This was the church Justin attended as he was growing up.

During the time of Justin’s troubles, Patti continued to believe for her son and told The Sun newspaper she prayed for Justin every day and instead of criticizing Justin, she encouraged people to pray for him as well.

And today we see the answer to those prayers.

The Apostle Paul acknowledged the impact that a mother’s faith and prayers can have on her children, when Paul spoke about how Timothy had been impacted by the faith of his mother and grandmother.

⁵I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. (2 Timothy 2:5)

But Justin made another statement on that Instagram post that all mothers should remember: