Remember What They Mean to You
I’ve always felt blessed to have not one, but two women in my life who nurtured me, encouraged me, and inspired me from the ground up to be all I could be. I called them both mom. Like you, I want to celebrate those who are dear to me and today’s the day. We’re going to look at five ways that you can honor the women in your life and pay it forward.
The two ladies I called mom shared differences and similarities. One I had for 56 years, the other for 37 years.
They were beautiful examples of godly women who loved Jesus and adored their families.
One was born during the Great Depression. The other experienced the Great Depression. Each lost an adult child, suffered the loss of a spouse, and were blessed to remarry and enjoy happy lives.
One was an educator. The other, a businesswoman. They shared similar skill sets and enjoyed their careers.
Provide Faithful Instruction
I soaked up as much skill and wisdom as I could from watching and listening to them. They taught me that loving God was first and that family was the heartbeat of our existence. While each differed in their talents and abilities, they both loved people and treasured their children and grandchildren.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Proverbs 31:25-30
I admired their strength, character, integrity, and morals, all of which were non-negotiables. And they showed me over and over how the fruit of the Spirit helped them survive the daily doses of life and paved the way to a deeper Christ-centered relationship.
Their shining examples are forever etched in my soul.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
Godliness Over Perfection
Maybe the woman you honor today is your mother, grandmother, aunt or best friend. Maybe it’s all of them. She may even remind you of the Proverbs 31 woman. Not because of perfection, but because she is a woman after God’s own heart.
We’re not perfect either, but we can aspire to rise early, work hard, live by faith, and take care of our families. In Proverbs 31, God’s Word calls us to be happy, honorable, energetic, courageous, and to speak with kindness. A tall list by human standards, but a godly list of attributes according to our Heavenly Father.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:26
Five Ways to Honor the Women in Your Life
Regardless of who you’re honoring today, remember their teachings have equipped you with confidence, passion, righteous thinking, and spiritual awareness to face the circumstances and challenges of this earthly life. He reminds us day in and day out that we are worthy of His praises.
As we reflect on and treasure what we’ve learned from the beautiful women in our lives, here are five ways to honor them daily.
- Seek God First
- Encourage and love one another
- Never lower your standards or expectations; aspire to live like Jesus.
- Be a role model, because you never know who is watching and learning.
- Share a mixture of grace, love, and laughter everywhere you go.
I know I’m the woman I am today because of these two wonderful mothers. They loved me, instructed me, counseled me, advised me, and modeled godly living for me. Today, I’m celebrating my mother, my mother-in-law, my daughter, and the other women who are a blessing to my life.
What about you? Share what you have learned from your mom or another special woman in your life.
How has their love and encouragement impacted you in your pursuit of being a godly woman?
Happy Mother’s Day!
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