theinspiredhillbilly

I wanted to take the opportunity this week, in light of the holiday, to say something about my mom.  As I began the brainstorming process that I go through to prepare an article like this, I attempted to jot down the different points about my mom that I wanted to make sure to convey.  And anyone that knows my mom, knows there are so many immediate words that come to mind.  Sweet, caring, attentive, talented; those are just a few of the words that I thought of. 

 But I felt as if I was still not doing justice to describe this great lady God allowed me to be the son of.  So I turned over in my Bible and read what one of the wisest men who ever lived said, and it so described my mom.  I found my mom being written about by King Solomon in Proverbs 31, verses 10-31.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” – Proverbs 31:10

I have found such a lady, and I call her mom.  Every time a Mother’s Day comes around, or her birthday, or some special event, I always feel like I fall so short of buying or doing something that is grand enough to appreciate her value to me and my entire family.  This wonderful mom of mine is one of my greatest treasures.

“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” – Proverbs 31:11-12

Have my mom and dad had the perfect marriage? Is there such a thing? No, but my dad will testify that the strength and quiet might that my mom has brought to our family has been a source of power him and us all during the hard times our family has seen.  She has been a caretaker of this family, and gatekeeper guarding us from so many times of difficulty.

“She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.  She is like the merchants ships; she bringeth her food from afar.” – Proverbs 31:13-14

My mother has fought the debilitating immune deficiency disease of Rheumatoid Arthritis for many, many years now.  This is not regular arthritis, but is a disease where her immune system literal attacks her otherwise healthy body.  As I’ve watched this horrible disease attack her, inflict her with incredible pain, and twist her hands and feet over the years, I’ve seen her continue to be the diligent provider and worker she has always been.  She has ever been the faithful partner to my dad, making sure all our needs were met.  She has been a seamstress, builder, farmer, teacher, laborer and caretaker her whole life.  Even as us three kids are on our own, living our lives, she continues to be this guard over us, trying to make sure we are okay and taken care of. 

“She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.  She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.” – Proverbs 31:15-16

One of my fondest memories was of my mom waking me up, and walking into our little kitchen and finding a hot breakfast almost every morning.  I know that’s not a popular thing in this age of easy access and do it now, but she took the time to prepare for us meals that were made from her hands and from her heart.  Even in high school, while others were going through the drive thru for breakfast, my mom made me sausage, egg and cheese biscuits to take with me to school.  Add to that the tireless efforts she placed in gardening enough food not only for the summer, but for us all winter, as well as enough to share with the whole community of neighbors around us.  She still is that worker till this day taking care of dad and us.

“She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.” – Proverbs 31:17-19

There is nothing my mom can’t do, maybe some things she decided she wouldn’t do (like driving, ha!), but this little lady has done some mighty big things.  The one that comes to mind right now is back when dad had to be on the road for work allot.  And one day mom saw some boys trying to break into the barn.  From what I remember, these were older guys, and the two of them could easily overpower her.  But without thinking of that, my mom starts running down the hill, through the yard, past the garden to the barn yelling and I think swinging her arms telling them to get out of there.  I honestly think they ran away because they thought she was crazy, hehehe, but she defended our property.

“She stretched out her hand to the poor: yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” – Proverbs 31: 20

We were not rich growing up; by far.  But I’ll have to say, that even when times were hard, and difficult, I never felt poor.  I never felt like we were doing without anything that we needed.  And at that same time, mom and dad taught us to give to others that were in worse need that we could have ever been.  My mom taught us to have a heart of ministry, compassion and care… reaching out to those around us. 

“She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.  She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.” – Proverbs 31:21-22

Some of the greatest treasures I have are things that were made by the hands of my mom and dad.  Years ago I asked my mom to write down in a book all the recipes that were in her head that were some of our favorites growing up, and now I have that in her handwriting.  I have curtains in my home that she made, I have quilts and blankets that were from her handy work.  Those are treasures. 

Also, my mom is a lady.  There are tons of women today, but very few ladies still existing.  My mom, though strong and tuff, never felt that she was less of a person to also embrace being feminine.  She always felt that a lady should dress like a lady, and act like a lady, and lead in her role that God gave her as a lady.  My mom never was extravagant with make-up, jewelry, or expensive clothes, but she’s always been beautiful to me.

“Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.” – Proverbs 31:23

My mom has always been to my dad the wife that he could be proud of.  My mom has been such an example of Christian love and respect, and support to my dad and to us.

“She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Stength and honour are her clothing: and she shall rejoice in time to come.  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” – Proverbs 31:24-27

What else can I say….these words are my mom….this is the lady that I’ve seen for 36 years be a quiet leader in her greatness. 

Before I share the rest of the scripture, I want to say that I love my mom.  She’s been so special to me, and continues to be each day.  She and dad have been sources of strength, fountains of refuge, and providers of wisdom for my whole life.  

I know many who read this won’t have your mom with you this Mother’s Day.  I’m thankful I still have mine with me, she is a very special gift from the Lord.  I want to say to whomever may read this article, I have the world’s best mom, and I’m grateful God blessed me with her.  

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.  Give her fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” – Proverbs 31: 28-31.

I know it isn’t popular to say this in this politically correct world, but in this world around us, there are very few women that still remain that are like my mom.  My mom, though not perfect, embodies this scripture.  God help our young girls to see women like my mom, and these wise scriptures as the guide for how God would have them live.  Help us all, to realize, our life is a testimony of who we are.  Thank God for my Proverbs 31 mom.

 Happy Mother’s Day…