Happy Mother's Day!

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we honor our own mother and are remembered by our children, but we should also give thanks for all the women in our lives who have inspired, encouraged, supported and loved us. For me, that includes all of you ladies!

As we remember our beloved Sisters in Christ who have served as Godly examples and real-life examples of the Proverbs 31 woman, it should also encourage us to be a Proverbs 31 woman to bless our children, our husband, and all those in our household, community, and sphere of influence. The Godly woman described here is virtuous (v. 10), faithful (v. 11), hard-working (v. 13-16, v. 27), morally and physically strong (v. 17), generous and charitable (v. 20),

She is a blessing to her family (v. 12), has a realistic opinion about herself (v. 18), provides for her family through her hard work and planning (v. 21, 24), and enhances the reputation of her husband (v. 23). She is kind, speaking the truth in love (v. 26).

This kind of woman, although rare, is a tremendous asset to her family and all those around her, and they recognize that the blessings she gives them are priceless (v.10, 28, 29). We can become this kind of woman not by relying on our social skills or our physical charms, but by fearing the Lord – by putting His will for our life ahead of all else (v.30).

As important as it is to provide for our family, even this can become an idol in our lives if we put it ahead of our obedience to God and our desire to please Him. Rather, if we put God first in our lives, He will provide for our physical needs (Matthew 6:33), let us be a blessing to others (Prov. 31:30), enlarge our sphere of influence in this world and give us eternal life in the next (Mark 10: 29-30).

On this Mother’s Day and until He comes again, may our gift to all we encounter be our example of faith in Christ, that they too may accept and follow Him (2 Tim 1: 5; Acts 16:31).

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

© 2012 Laurie Collett

Photo credit: Mother and child in front of home near Gandhla in Lahaul, June 2004, John Hill