‘Her Children Arise and Call Her Blessed’

As part one of this Mother’s Day tribute I asked friends of all ages to share their thoughts, special phrases or quotes, and favorite scriptures of their mother’s. As you read them I hope you see the love, strength, encouragement, and spirit exhibited. I want to encourage you to include memories of the special woman in your life at the bottom of this post.  

‘There is no love greater in this world than a mother’s love.’

“My mother said to always do the right thing, because someone is always watching you, even though you may not know it.” Her favorite scripture was Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

“My mom always told my brothers and I that God had big plans for us. She was truly one of the most devout Christian women I have ever known.” ~Jamie 

My mama’s sweet response would always be, “Love is the theme. If we do anything whether big or small and do it for any reason without love, we do not honor God. Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with all our heart, mind and strength.But he also said we are to love everyone as ourselves. God is love and we must love as He loves.”  Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

“My mom is my loving, spiritual, ever present guide and support for my life. I have so much affection for my mom–I am so blessed. ” ~Monica   

I can hear my mother say to me, “Pretty is as pretty does.” She never mentioned a favorite verse but she read the Bible through eight times.

“She was a faithful and caring friend to many. She was discerning and dependable. She loved her family, and she loved the Lord.” ~Gail   

My mom has always been a source of encouragement. She would say to me, “This is your time. You’ve worked hard. Now go get ‘em.” The other phrase she taught me from an early age was, “Classy. Not Trashy.” She taught me how to dress appropriately and with modesty for any occasion. She wanted me to have respect for myself. Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11. She knows God has a plan for our lives and things happen in His timing and for His purpose.  

“My mom is by far one of the most inspirational people in my life. She taught me to never give up and always be kind.” ~Allyson 

My mother would say “If you cannot say anything nice, then do not say anything at all.” Mom’s favorite verse was Luke 1:37 – “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

“I love my mom’s determination. Because of health issues she is determined to get through every day through God’s beautiful grace. She inspires me to push beyond any small ailment and live life to the fullest.” ~JoAnna 

This one is easy and it is an honor to give you a piece of wisdom from my mom. “Honey, you can’t argue with crazy.” In other words, stop trying to reason with someone acting unreasonably.”

She loved “The Serenity Prayer” and recited it often. It reminds me of her because it speaks of acceptance, courage, and wisdom! 

“My mother was a feisty red head. She loved pretty clothes, high heels, Chanel #5, and jewelry. She was very special and I loved her. When Alzheimer’s took most of her memories, it didn’t take her love.” She never forgot how to say “I love you.” ~Claire 

My mother would say, “You girls are not leaving the table until you clean that plate. Do you know how many Vietnamese children (caught in the war we were fighting) would love to have a plate like that?” We were a military family and this was during the Vietnam War. We prayed for the Vietnamese families every day.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 was my mom’s favorite verse. “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”

“My mother is one of the strongest, organized and family oriented mom’s I know. I was always made to feel special, and learned to appreciate and laugh at the little things because of her.” ~Dana 

Through most of our childhood my mom would say, “If people are talking about you then they are letting some other poor soul rest. Besides that, they have got a darn good subject.” My sister and I had to laugh at that as we got older. Her favorite scripture is Psalm 23. 

“My mom is the best mom. She always made sure she was fair with us; whatever I my sister got, I got it too or vice versa. She was always there for us. She supported me as an athlete and that carried over to supporting me as the ‘Coach.’ She now supports her grandchildren in the same way. I know in many ways I’m like her. People tell me I look like her–that is the greatest compliment. ~Robin

My mom’s favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through Him who strengthens me.”

“With my mom It was always about being loved at home. I have watched the impact she has had on her own students and she has passed that along to me as I work with students. She wanted us to understand that we all make mistakes and she loves us unconditionally. Mom has a lot of patience and is a good listener—that has shaped and molded me into the person I am today. She has great compassion for all of God’s children.” ~Jenny