Life with My Christian Mother

My mother is very near and dear to my heart. She is a strong Christian woman, with a warm heart and never ending love and compassion for her children.

During my childhood years, my mother was continually active teaching in the church and working as the church secretary. My mother was very concerned for her children's spiritual growth and always strove to be a wonderful example for us all. We were never lacking in love or attention. Sometimes we didn't agree with the type of attention that we received, especially when we were losing whatever battle we were putting up, but we knew we were loved, always. That doesn't mean that our family life was perfect, believe me, we struggled with one adversity to the next; always keeping God first. God never let us down. He would get us through each adversity and continue to help us grow in our walk with Him. This is how we were raised. Life definitely was not perfect and living your life for God could be very difficult, yet very rewarding as well.

If I could dedicate ten verses from the Bible to my mother for the example she has set for us and for what she has taught us through her wisdom, I would dedicate the following verses:

1) Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3

2) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

3) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

4) But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3: 17-18

5) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

6) But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3: 14-15

7) Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in His ways Psalm 119: 1-3

8) Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:5

9) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted and because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5: 3-10

10) A wife of a noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31: 10 - 31
Thank you, Mother, for your love; for all the years of support and instruction; for your patience and self-sacrifice. But most of all, thank you for instilling in us the most important gift of all: the gift of learning to know God and being able to experience His daily interaction in our lives. This has allowed us to embrace him fully as our Father and closest friend.