“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30

This was part of the Scripture read at my Mom’s funeral last September.  I always knew my Mom was a very special lady, but when she left this world to go on to glory, I’ve taken a lot of time to reflect on her life and her impact on me.  Although I could come up with many more, I’ve thought of 3 special lessons my Mom taught me that have had the greatest impression on me. 

 She was a devoted wife and mother.  I always loved to hear Mom’s story on how she fell in love with Dad.  For over 50 years, she was totally committed to the love of her life.  She called him her rock, and was always behind him in everything he did.  It’s because of her devotion to her Lord, that they will reunite one day in heaven, for the Holy Spirit used her life witness to help bring her husband to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  She is my model for the perfect wife, and my prayer is one day I can be the wife my Mom was.  She waited a long time to be called “Mom.”  It was 18 years before she had me, her only child.  Through many difficulties – miscarriages, loss of a child – I can’t imagine how difficult that was for her.  I’m sure that many “Hannah prayers” were offered up dedicating her child to the Lord, if only He would bless her with a child.  The older I get, the more I understand her yearning for motherhood.  I’ll never know how deep her love truly went. 

She never met a stranger.  I could write a book about Mom’s hilarious encounters in public restrooms.  She would talk to anyone.  When I was younger, that was somewhat irritating.  As I’ve gotten older, I have to humbly admit that I’ve seemed to develop that same personality trait.  The lesson she unconsciously taught was to always reach out to others.  Although my Mom was limited in her activity during the last few years, she was always sending cards to folks, calling to check in on those she knew, and her favorite thing, making something for someone else.   Even at her death, she had left behind gifts she had made in advance for others.  As I’m developing this trait, the thing I’m trying to remember is that it’s not about me, but about reaching out to others.  I’m here for a short time so I want to make every moment count and minister to all those who I come in contact with and leave the fragrance of Life behind.

 She had a faith that never wavered, even during death.  Mom never flaunted her faith.  She was never pious or arrogant.  Her idea of sharing her faith was to be surrounded by little children telling the story of Jesus’ baptism, or making little baskets to put baby Moses in the bulrushes.  Her deep faith would come out at times when someone needed it – or she needed it.  She’d share it one on one, in notes sent at special times, or in times of despair.  What I believe was most important to her was her relationship with Jesus.  She was public in her faith, but her relationship with Jesus was something special between her and Him.  It went deeper than I think anyone understood except the Master.  I saw the fruits of that relationship as the days passed before her death.  I’ve never seen anyone so prepared to die.  She literally separated herself from this world and talked of wanting to see Jesus.  You see, when you know the One who gave His life for you, when it’s time to give your life, He is all you need.  This lesson is the most special to me.  My prayer is that my faith would be that solid even unto death.  It’s what keeps me building that relationship with Jesus, so that when my time comes, He is all I need as I pass from this life into His Arms.

 As we celebrate Mother’s Day this month, reflect on the lessons that can be learned from your Mom, or a special female role model that you have in your life.  Pray that God will plant the seeds of those lessons and allow them to grow and blossom in your life for others to see.