I’ve been blessed with a very special mother, a true Proverbs 31 woman. Mom is loving, kind, hard-working, a little crazy, and a wonderful friend. But most of all she is wise. Here are just a few of the things I’ve learned from Mom:
- “No matter what, you are loved.”
Growing up it didn’t matter how bad I screwed up I always knew at the end of the day I was loved.
- I’ve got your back.
You know what happens if you come between a mama bear and her cubs? That ain’t nothing compared to what would happen if you hurt one of Mom’s kids! Even when we were in the wrong, she was always on our side.
- Do the right thing, even if it hurts.
Mom believes people need to know they can count on you and you should treat others the way you would want to be treated, even if it hurts.
- Truth matters.
Mom taught us honesty counts. Nothing hurts a parent more than to be lied to.
- It’s okay to have fun. It’s okay to be a little crazy sometimes.
Mom has never let a little thing like pride stand in the way of having a good time. When she and her friends, Deloris Foote or Carol Grimes, got near water, a water fight was sure to break out, even in the middle of a party.
- There’s always room for one more at the table.
Mom and Dad opened their home to foster kids, kids from broken homes, strangers, even whole families. It was crazy at times, but it was also a great way to grow up!
As I think back over the lessons Mom taught me I realize she was just passing on what she’d learned from her best friend, Jesus Christ. Just like Mom, Jesus wants you and I to know:
- “No matter what, we are loved.” – That’s why Jesus died for us. (John 3:16)
- He’s always got our back. – He promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5).
- Real success comes from doing the right thing even when it hurts (Joshua 1:7).
- Truth matters. Why? Because “the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32).
- It’s okay to have fun – Jesus came that we “may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10)
- There’s always room for one more at the table – God doesn’t want “anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
I’ve learned many things from Mom, but the most important thing she taught me was this – – Jesus loves me. He is a Friend who will never let me go. He loves you too and He wants to be your friend. This Mother’s Day, why not give your mother a gift she’ll cherish forever? Give Jesus your heart.