March is a month known for madness—college basketball tournaments, unpredictable weather, and the relentless push toward spring. However, for those of us seeking to live boldly for Christ, March MISSION Madness takes on a different meaning. This month, we continue celebrating the lives of those who lived radically, even “madly,” for Jesus. And few lived a more persistent, passionate, and prayer-fueled life than Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine—one of the greatest theologians in Christian history.
Monica’s story is not one of grand sermons, dramatic miracles, or public ministry. Instead, she lived out a quiet, determined, and fiercely faithful life—a life that seemed foolish to some but was profoundly powerful in the Kingdom of God. Her “madness” was relentless prayer, sacrificial love, and unshakable hope in the power of God. (You can listen to the podcast episode about Monica’s story HERE.)
A Mother’s Unwavering Faith
Born in the 4th century in North Africa, Monica was married off to Patricius, a pagan Roman official with a violent temper. He resented her Christian faith and was often unfaithful, yet Monica remained steadfast in her love and prayers for him. Over time, her kindness and devotion softened his heart. Before his death, Patricius converted to Christianity, a testimony to the power of a wife’s prayers and perseverance.
However, Monica’s greatest struggle—and greatest victory—was with her son, Augustine. Brilliant and ambitious, Augustine rejected his mother’s faith, choosing instead a life of pleasure, indulgence, and intellectual arrogance. He pursued philosophy, dismissed Christianity as simplistic, and became entangled in Manichaeism, a heretical belief system that denied the authority of Christ. He openly defied Monica, mocked her faith, and lived in rebellion.
Most mothers would have given up. Most would have hardened their hearts in the face of such rejection. But Monica? She prayed. And prayed. And prayed some more.
Her prayers were not occasional, whispered thoughts. They were deep, weeping, all-consuming cries to God. For seventeen years, she interceded for her son with a faith that refused to be shaken. She followed him to different cities, sought out wise counsel, and begged God for his salvation.
The Testimony of a Bishop and a Son
At one point, a bishop, seeing her tears, comforted her with words that have echoed through history: “The child of those tears shall never perish.”
This was not blind optimism. It was a prophetic truth. God had heard her cries, and He was working in Augustine’s life—even when all evidence seemed to suggest otherwise.
And in time, those prayers bore fruit. In Milan, Augustine came under the teaching of Bishop Ambrose, a wise and godly leader whom Monica had sought out for guidance. Ambrose became a spiritual father to Augustine, patiently guiding him toward truth.
Then, one day, everything changed. In a moment of deep conviction, Augustine heard a voice say, “Take and read.” He opened a Bible and read Romans 13:13-14:
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
The words pierced his soul. The prayers of his mother, the influence of Ambrose, and the working of the Holy Spirit all collided in that moment. Augustine surrendered his life to Christ.
His transformation was radical. The man who once mocked Christianity became its most passionate defender. His writings—especially Confessions and The City of God—became cornerstones of Christian theology, influencing countless believers for generations. And in Confessions, Augustine honored his mother, writing:
“She wept and wailed, she cried out in her prayers, and her tears streamed down. But You, O Lord, heard her… She saw me as Your son before she died, and that was enough for her.”
Monica exemplified the truth of James 5:16:
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 (NIV)
Monica’s prayers for her son’s spiritual healing where powerful and effective, and she lived long enough to see her son not only believe in Christ but commit his entire life to Him. She died with the deep satisfaction of knowing that her years of suffering, praying, and seeking were not in vain.
Living a Crazy Amazing Life for Jesus
In a culture that celebrates independence, instant gratification, and self-reliance, Monica’s relentless faith looks foolish. A mother weeping over a rebellious son for seventeen years? A wife staying faithful to a difficult marriage? A woman clinging to Christ when everything seemed lost?
The world might call that madness. We call it crazy amazing. This March (and always!), it’s even more amazing than the thrilling college basketball games and heart stopping buzzer-beaters. This March MISSION Madness is about living in such a way that people take notice and God works through us.
Monica’s life challenges us to keep praying and trust God to work in the hearts of those we love.
He calls us to live boldly, trust fiercely, and pray relentlessly. He calls us to live crazy amazing lives for Jesus—not because we see immediate results, but because we serve a God who is always at work.
May Monica’s story inspire us to press on, to pray without ceasing, and to believe that the God who heard her cries hears ours too.
And who knows? Maybe one day, someone will look back on our faith and call it madness—the beautiful, powerful kind that changed their life for eternity.
Be encouraged! ❤️
Tosha
