Rise Up And Call Her Blessed

"Her children rise up and call her blessed…"
Proverbs 31:28

Tomorrow marks the birthday of a very special woman in my life...the woman I am blessed to call Mom. With that in mind, I write in tribute to Mom...I will rise up and call her blessed!!!

Many women carry, bear, nurture and raise up children, but more crucial than the mechanics of motherhood are the characteristics of a woman who desires to be a good mother. Mom is a good mother!

A Good Mother...Faithful Intercessor

Memories of bedtime are filled with milk and pretzels (to sooth my bedtime hunger) and, my hair in rollers with a shower cap-like hair dryer attached to my head.

Though these are sweet memories, the bedtime discipline that influenced me the most was Mom’s prayers. At that time, I did not recognize the power of blessing and the effectiveness of a praying mother. I am now convinced that it was Mom's prayers, which softened my heart towards Jesus causing me to willingly surrender my life to Him.

A Good Mother...Compassionate

Night terrors filled my childhood and adolescence. Mom was always there for me. She never once scolded me for being frightened of creatures seen in the night as she crawled into my bed to soothe me. Allowing me to bury my face in her chest was the only way I could get back to sleep.

A Good Mother...Servant

If you read my post "What Then Is Love" you will know that I had severe headaches caused by a type of aneurysm called an AVM. There were many days when my head throbbed in pain and Mom was right there with a cool washcloth for my forehead and chicken noodle soup (with pieces of butter bread thrown in) for my tummy. She never once complained about serving me!!!

A Good Mother...Wise Consular

Entering puberty was not the most pleasant memory in my life. I was convinced that no man would ever love me, and that my dream of motherhood would never be fulfilled.

There was a boy who I met in fourth grade (Can you imagine?) that "I fell in love with." I continued to pine away for him for many years. Yet, Mom never once belittled my "feelings," but repeatedly told me, "God has someone out there for you. You will be with him if it is meant to be." Her wise consul caused hope to stir that maybe there was a man out there who would someday love me.

A Good Mother...Loving

Of all the woman I know, I believe Mom is the most physically affectionate. She always kissed and hugged me (Actually, she hugs and kisses just about everyone). Her love and physical touch carried me through the turmoil of adolescence.

Thank you Mom for revealing motherhood in all of its glory. I am forever thankful for your prayers, compassion, service, consul and love. I bless you in the name of Jesus!!! I love you!!!!!