FaithMarks on May 12, 2025: How One Mother’s Faith Shaped Millions

On May 12, 1870, Eliza Spurgeon quietly passed into the presence of Christ. To history, she might appear only as the mother of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers.” But heaven knows her name—and her influence runs deep in every soul her son ever reached.

Eliza Spurgeon was the mother of 17 children, though only 8 survived infancy. With her husband often away preaching, the spiritual upbringing of their children fell largely to her. Rather than be overwhelmed by the burden, Eliza saw it as her highest calling. Every day she gathered her children around the Bible, taught them from Scripture, and led them in prayer. She was their teacher, discipler, and intercessor.

Her son Charles would later write, “I cannot tell how much I owe to the solemn words and prayers of my Christian mother.” He remembered one particular Sunday when Eliza prayed aloud over each child, pleading with God for their salvation. She prayed that if any would continue in sin, God would break their hearts. That prayer pierced Charles and stayed with him even in his time of rebellion. God answered it.

Years later, reflecting on her legacy, Spurgeon said, “I cannot tell how much I owe to the solemn words of my good mother. Never could it be possible for any man to estimate what he owes to a godly mother. Certainly I have not the powers of speech with which to set forth my valuation of the choice blessing which the Lord bestowed on me in making me the son of one who prayed for me, and prayed with me.”

Eliza Spurgeon never published a book or stood in a pulpit. But her impact was no less eternal. She shaped a preacher who would reach millions, not through fame or force—but through faith, Scripture, and persistent prayer.

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, let her life remind us: The prayers of a godly mother are never wasted. They ripple into eternity.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” – Proverbs 31:28