“I thank God … when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you,
which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice,
and I am persuaded is in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:3a,5
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Presenting our 2014 Mother’s Day tributes …
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I just spent a few days with my Mom and every passing year reminds me of how much more I am thankful for her.
God has been very gracious to our family, and I praise Him that He was merciful to save my mother. I don’t remember a lot about my little years, but I do remember her talking with me one night about Jesus. That was the beginning of my spiritual journey. As soon as all of us were old enough to be in school, she started teaching again. I remember many hours of our week were spent at church and school. I am so thankful for her selfless giving which helped allow us to have a good, Christian education. Fatigue often hit in the evenings, and I really didn’t have a clue as to why she was always so tired. But now I do!
She faithfully taught by example that I needed to rise early and spend time with Jesus. As I grew older, she taught me many practical skills that prepared me for my future role as a wife: cleaning, organizing, ironing, baking, gardening, cooking. Being well prepared in those areas was a huge advantage when the parenting learning curve began.
I am thankful for her counsel and confrontation. I still remember the day that my parents pulled me aside and pointed out a major sin area that I needed to address. God was very kind to bless me with parents who spoke words of life to me. I am especially thankful for the example of love, submission, and servanthood that she lived out in her marriage.
As the years have passed, God has grown our relationship to a more intimate level. The last few years have given us many opportunities to share what God is teaching us from his Word. I am so thankful for the trials and difficulties that He has chosen for our family to drive us to Him. This has drawn us much closer together as we cry out to our Father in prayer.
Just recently, I finished a Bible study through Hebrews that she shared with me. I am so thankful that we both know and serve the God of hope. Mom, may we ever know and love Him more! May we run with perseverance. Looking ahead to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Thank you for pouring out your life to serve and bless me! I love you.
– Megan, North Carolina
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God graciously saved my Mom when she was in her teens. She grew up in an
unsaved, dysfunctional family. She has been through many trials through her life
and come forth as gold. I am privileged to be her daughter.
I have seen her grow
in her walk with the Lord. She has shown tremendous courage in the face of
difficulties that other people might have just run from. I know I didn’t always
appreciate her and was a rebel at some points, and I am thankful she always
loved me no matter what. She is constantly serving others, especially her
family.
Through her many trials in life, she has put together a booklet of
Scripture verses and quotes that have helped her. She puts these in a flip photo
album that stands up so you can see one at a time. She has a ministry of giving
these albums to people going through very difficult times. It has blessed so
many people over the years. I love to be able to give them to people I know and
then hear how God used it greatly to comfort them.
Over a year ago, my Mom was
diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. It was during those first few months that
I turned to her booklet of verses for God’s comfort. Her testimony through it
all is a blessing and a testimony of God’s goodness. Right now she is responding
well to medicine that is keeping her cancer at bay.
Thank you, Mom, for the
strong, godly heritage you pass down to me and future generations!
– Tracie, Minnesota
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“Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.” Titus 2:3-5 NASB
In reflecting upon my grandmother’s life, a multitude of thoughts come to mind. This passage however, was foremost in my thoughts. Grandma’s life truly reflected the heart of this passage. Her life was one of modesty. She did not have to be the center of attention; she was content in being in the background, quietly serving and meeting the needs of those present. Her words were “seasoned with salt;” I never heard her say an unkind word to or about anyone. She was an able teacher. This is evident in the lives of her children. All of them are upstanding in their character, hard-working in their chosen occupations and ministries, faithful to the work that God had chosen for them. All have served in some measure in the Lord’s service.
She taught her daughters well by example to love their husbands and children, even when it might have seemed like God wasn’t working. She was sensible, pure, and kind. She kept her home in order and diligently worked to preserve the yield from Grandpa’s garden. She was subject to her husband. All of this is lived out in the lives of my aunts, Lucy Hess and Gloria Ruby. She was also a good model of what a godly lady was to be like for her sons, who in turn chose godly young ladies to be their wives.
When I look at the results of Grandma’s life in relation to my own family’s future, I wish that I had more time to spend with her to glean treasure from her words of wisdom. I want my children to grow up as well as hers did. I wish I would have had the insight to ask her those questions when I had the chance. I did not feel the pressing need when she was able to communicate with me. Now that my children are growing, I am really feeling the need for her insight. Even to the end, she was seeking to impart wisdom and godliness. Her last words to me from her hospital bed were “Praying for one another,” showing her heart for others and her dependence upon God.
Grandma was a quiet lady. She loved her husband and family and was content when they were happy. Proverbs 31:30-31 says, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.” Grandma, I am so thankful for the godly heritage that you have given me. I treasure it and will strive to pass it on to my children. I love you. God’s Word has been honored in your life. May it be so in mine.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
This picture was taken shortly after my oldest son was born in 2006. My Mom and I have so much fun together, no matter where we are. Anyone who knows her knows that she is very sweet and thoughtful, putting others first. I like to think of her as a queen of hospitality. And I’ve never seen anyone send more cards to express love!
Part of the reason my Mom is so kind is because she has a heart for God and for people. Since God saved her years ago, she has tried to walk closely with God every step of the way. My Mom prays for me (and many others) several times a day. I imagine that her praying heart was shaped by years of waiting on God to become a mother. Over the space of about 15 years, my parents gave birth to three girls, and during that time also lost seven babies. God brought them through many painful moments, and what He taught them is clearly described in her life verse (seen above). She smiles so beautifully from the inside out because she knows God has a wise plan, and He promises to provide every step of the way.
My Mom is my best Girlfriend. I thank God for her every day. And I am especially thankful that someday we will be together with Jesus, able to meet for the first time my brothers and sisters gone before, and my own three sweet babies … together enjoying and praising God for eternity. I love you, Mom!!
– Sara, Iowa
Please feel free to give tribute to a special woman in your life, below.
Thank you for stopping by!
– Sara
Women on God's Mission 