Who can find a truly excellent woman?
One who is superior in all that she is and all that she does?
Her worth far exceeds that of rubies and expensive jewelry.
Clothed in strength and dignity, with nothing to fear,
she smiles when she thinks about the future.
She conducts her conversations with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is ever her concern.
Charm can be deceptive and physical beauty will not last,
but a woman who reveres the Eternal should be praised above all others.
Proverbs 31 {The Voice}
I am overwhelmed as I reflect on how the Lord has provided God-fearing women in my life. There have been women that have helped me grow in my faith and maturity in Christ; women that have helped me heal; women that have instilled truth into me and spoken words of life. I am blessed. As I think about Mother’s Day, I am obviously reminded of my own beautiful mother, but also so many other women who have influenced my life. What is the common denominator of these women? They are strong. Not on their own strength, but through leaning far and deep into the arms of Christ for their strength.
My mom, Cindy-lou-hoo. She is the best mother. She was made to be a mom. She loves so much, has great compassion, and wants to serve others well. I always remember feeling loved as I grew up. I cannot remember one function, game, or event that she missed. It is a joke among me and my brothers that mom has a hidden super woman cape. She really will drop anything and everything to come save the day.
There is no one like your mom. I know I can tell her about something exciting and she will join in my joy. I can call her in a moment of crisis and hurt, and she will join me in the pain. She will laugh with me until she cries, dance around with me (even if it is not exactly on beat), and watch the same movie over and over just enjoying being with me.
She has walked through the most painful trials, and she has found her feet on solid ground. She chose to keep standing and walk forward; she chose to cry out to God through her hurt instead of turning to worldly things. When her life was flipped upside down, she kept moving forward one step at a time. Mom, when I look at you, I see a woman of strength, a woman fully relying on God, a woman trusting on Him and making decisions based off of His guidance. You are not scared of the new adventures of life, and I can look back now and see how you have grown so much. I am thankful for the joy He has restored in you, the strength He has provided you with, and the great and wonderful plans He has for your future. Thank you for loving me, Micah, Hillary, Jacob, and McCoy so well. We are blessed you are our mom and you are the best YaYa around!
I can’t think about Mother’s Day without reflecting on the beautiful single moms I have met through Beloved. These moms embody this idea of strength better than any other women I know. All of their scenarios are different, but they serve their children well day in and day out. They do by themselves what was meant to be done with a partner. I have seen these women fight hard for truth, fight hard to do the right thing, fight hard against seemingly impossible circumstances. And God is showing up. He is showing them (like He shows us all), that when we cry out to Him and walk in obedience, He will bless our path. Beloved Moms, I am honored to join you in part of your journey. I am excited about what God has in store for each of your lives. You can count on one thing—it is for your good!
Oh God would you make us women who are clothed in strength and dignity. Women that do not fear, for we know you are with us. That trusts you with our future. We ask for more wisdom and for the words that come from our mouths to be filled with kindness and truth. Above all, may we keep our eyes focused on you and to seek you above all things, knowing you will provide all that we need. You give us more than we can ask or imagine, for you are good, and you are for us.
Happy Mother’s Day
