For Mom

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all'” (Proverbs 31:28-29 ESV).

My first inclination was to compose Proverbs 32, because Proverbs 31 can’t quite speak of what a wonderful woman you are. Then I realized that much of what I feel for you cannot be articulated. If there were such words, they would already be in the Book! Yet I will try to find words to express how much you mean to me.

You have always been a woman of the WORD. If I were to lose all of the memories of my childhood save one, I would keep the memory of seeing you everyday sat at the table with your Bible open. No matter how many times you have read it through, it’s as if it is brand new every time. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1 NASB). You have instilled in me a love and respect for God’s Word that will carry me through all things, until in Heaven we meet Him face to face.

You have always been a woman of PRAYER. You approach the throne of grace with boldness, yet humbly. Your reverence for the Father reminds me of the words that Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Hallowed be Thy Name.” You never fail to lift up your heart in prayer for the needs of others. “But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him” (Psalms 4:3 ESV). I sincerely believe that when you pray God leans in and hangs on your every word. You have instilled in me a knowledge that God listens when we pray.

You have always been a woman of FAITH. When times are difficult you demonstrate your faith through surrender and child-like trust, knowing that even in hard times the hand of God is gracious and generous. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6 NASB). You have instilled in me a faith that sees steep mountains as but stairways bringing us closer to Heaven’s gates.

You have always been a woman of HOPE. When clouds obscure the pathway upon which we travel, you see the other side. You choose to believe that the clouds do not block our dreams and visions, but rather keep our eyes from focusing on this world’s darkness. “…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5 NASB). You have instilled in me a hope that, regardless of the obstacles we face, God’s promises will always come to pass.

You have always been a woman of LOVE. When I was good, you loved. When I was bad, you loved. Even when I was unlovable, you loved. You have compassion for those you do, and those you do not know. Your life is a testimony that, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7 ESV). You have instilled in me a knowledge of agape love as a living example of the love of Christ.

I am truly blessed that I have you for a mother, but even more blessed that I have had you as an example of what it means to be a Christian.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Love,

Tim