Jump directly to the Content
Jump directly to the Content

Sermon Illustrations

Home > Sermon Illustrations

Dr. Benjamin Carson's Mother

Dr. Benjamin Carson, renowned surgeon at Johns Hopkins, tells a moving story about his mother. Mrs. Carson insisted that Ben and his brother Curtis write a book report every couple of weeks. This wasn't for school—this was for their mom.

Ben and Curtis dutifully obeyed.

About the time he was in junior high, Ben finally realized something quite shocking. His mom couldn't read. For years Ben had read books and scratched out reports, assuming that his mom was checking every word. But she didn't have a clue what he was saying.

Now consider this: raised by an illiterate mother, Ben grew up to be a world-famous surgeon who was featured in many articles and was the author of several books. His illiterate mom didn't twist her hands over her lack of learning and give up hope of raising intelligent boys. Instead, she gave her boys what she had—interest, accountability, and the courage to demand extra work.

And it paid off.

Years later, someone asked Ben why his mother still lived with him, even after he was married and had a family of his own. "You don't understand," Ben answered. "If it weren't for that woman, I wouldn't be living here. She earned this."

Related Sermon Illustrations

Dr. Ben Carson's Mother

Dr. Ben Carson, world famous surgeon, has performed more than 400 operations a year, mostly brain and spinal surgeries. Besides his faith, his mother is one of the chief reasons he ...

[Read More]

The Worst Mother's Day Gifts and Cards

According to a British survey, 40 percent of moms have received an unwanted Mother's Day gift, but most of them were too polite to complain. Here's a partial list of the 30 ...

[Read More]