An elderly widow had a tragic fire in her home. Her house burned completely to the ground. She lost her furniture, clothes, everything! Her son, who lived in another state, heard about it and called his mother. “Mom, is everything OK? Are you alright? Were you hurt at all?” She said, “I’m OK. I’ve lost everything, but I’m alright.” He said, “Well, Mom, do you have any money?” She responded, “Yes, son, how much do you need?” Surely there are moms who are selfish and self-absorbed in this fallen world, but so many of us can relate to having mothers like that. The nurturing, sacrificial instinct of a mother is what draws such fierce loyalty from children. Tenneva Jordan writes, “A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” Christian mothers are exceptionally special givers for three reasons.
She gives her children a godly example (Prov. 31:16-26). This ideal “virtuous” woman depicted at the end of Proverbs displays wisdom by modeling. She is prudent (16), hard-working (17-19), compassionate (20), courageous (21), resourceful (22,24), honorable (23), strong and dignified (25), wise and kind (26). While she will stumble and falter in these and other ways, she is characterized by them as often as possible. In so doing, she gives her kids a pattern to follow her as she follows Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).
She gives her children security (Prov. 31:27). She makes home a haven, even in a scary world. How? “She looks well to the ways of her household.” She works hard to make sure her home is a place of safety, serenity, and solace.
She gives her children a righteous legacy (Prov. 31:28). Listen to the husbands and children of the worthy woman. They rise up and call her blessed (28). Do you want to see a grown man cry? Get him talking about his dear old mom. Do you want to see a gleam in a father’s eye? Get him talking about the way his wife cares for their kids. Better than charm and beauty is a woman “who fears the Lord” (30). This woman will be praised!
Fortune magazine has dubbed Mother’s Day “the Super Bowl of florists.” It is the most popular day in the flower industry! If you still have your mom, give her something nice! If you don’t, give her honor and praise. In fact, by giving you will likely be imitating her! As they say, “Imitation is the highest form of flattery!” Moms, thank you for giving so generously of yourselves! You are some of the brightest spots in a dark world.
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