Today is the ninety-third birthday of the woman who gave birth to me sixty-seven years ago. Sadly, for those of us still on this side of heaven, the Lord took her home yesterday to be with him.
I could write a book about her and what she meant to me and my brothers, but for now, I am going to paraphrase Proverbs 31. The words describe her well, and I can do no better than to use God’s own description of a woman like Mom.
A MOTHER of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her children have full confidence in her
and lack nothing of value.
She brings them 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 night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
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.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Application: Appreciate the people in your life in every way possible. Never let an opportunity to show God’s love to others slip by.
Food for Thought: How did your mother shape your life?
Jeff, my sincere condolences. It is truly a wonderful gift to have a godly mother and to know that you will see her in glory.
Thank you, JEC!
She will be missed. But as you say, not for long. Before too long I will see her again. 🙂
Mother’s need to be remembered and honored 😊
Yes they do! 🙂
My deepest condolences for your family at the passing of your beloved mother. Our prayers are with you
Thank you!
Eshet chayil. Truly your mother was a woman of valor. It was an honor to know her. She will be missed by many!
Thank you, L!
I am so glad that you had the opportunity to know her.
Sixty-seven years of blessings as your mother daily cared for you, in her own special way. The fruit of her life is seen in the man you are today. My prayers are with you as you miss her physical presence in your life and and rejoice in her spiritual presence in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God Bless you Brother.
Ron
Thank you, Ron.
We have been rejoicing! When she passed she was at the hospital (long story) and my three brothers and I were in the room with her (another long story). Eventually the chaplain came in and introduced himself. By that time we had all done our crying for the week and were happy she was no longer suffering and were rejoicing that she was now with Jesus. About two minutes later the chaplain smiled and quietly left the room. There was nothing for him to do. 🙂
Love you brother. Praying for you. As you know, I lost my mom less than a year ago. Also a godly saint. My the Lord grant you and your family His comfort and peace.
Thank you, Rich.
I understand your pain at losing your mother so much better now.
No words from me can do. So you have my prayers.
Tim,
God bless you. Thank you for your prayers. There have been so many small miracles these past three weeks that I cannot even count them. God is honoring prayers right and left. Yours are a big part of that.
Sometimes I feel like all I have are prayers. God is good. He is a perfect father in heaven to me. I know that He hears my prayers dealing with my own troubles. Prayer on my knees has become my choice of weapon to fight with.
Wow,..my condolences as well with everyone else here,..it sounds to me like at the her celebration for her life there will be standing room only,..hang in there!
Hi John
I fully expect it will be a packed house. She was an exceptional woman who was well liked and deeply loved.
Mom is 95 and we have been blessed by reading your devotional off and on over the last few years. I read it to mom tonight and our hearts go out to you and your family. One of our favorite books is Randy Alcorn’s “Heaven” We are excited about heaven, we look forward to heaven and we watch daily for His return. We are Comforted and Love the fact your mom is there… waiting for all of us to join her.
Blessings
Randy & Mom-Shirley
Randy and “Mom-Shirley”
Thank you for your kind words! We share your excitement about heaven. Mom passed on Sunday and Monday was her birthday. I am certain that there was a rather spectacular birthday party waiting for her in heaven. Lots of friends and family are there and, of course, the Lord Jesus escorted her in by her hand. The smile that has brightened our world for 92 years is now shining brightly for the Lord.