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I am 18 years old and recently my mother and I got in a huge argument. I was complaining about how I didn't like the way she raised me very strictly and was very hard on my brother and me. These words bothered her and she started crying. She raised her voice at me and I left. I could hear her yelling and calling me very bad things. I acknowledge that what I did was wrong and a very bad sin. I know the Bible's teaching is disrespect of one's parents is a serious sin punishable by death and I will confess this sin to my father of confession. I don't deserve her forgiveness and I am at fault here. But she when called me extremely bad names, it makes me question if this is really someone who cares about me. What do you think of the situation?

Your mother loves you very much, but she is deeply hurt; otherwise she would not have reacted the way she did. Imagine if someone she does not know that well said these things to her; it would not have spurred the same reaction. Raising a family in the fear of God is no easy task. It requires a life of sacrifices without limits. Godly parents never quite recapture nor desire to regain any sense of importance above their family members. This sacrificial life of the parent is actually a source of tremendous joy. These parents never feel as though their life and sacrifices are an obligation or a burden. Parents do not seek gratitude in words. They are convinced that the gratitude is there. However, when that belief is shattered—sometimes by a child's rebellion or criticism, then the pain of the sacrifices may surface—but not remain. Your mother, like Christ—your Father in heaven, will forgive you in a heartbeat. Just allow her pain to subside and remind her that you love and respect her and will always be grateful that she did the best that she could to raise you. It can't be all bad. It is obvious that the Holy Spirit who dwells in you is moving your heart to repentance. That is wonderful. Try to remember all the good things you learned through the years, and thank God!