Mother's Day - My Three "Moms"

Mother’s Day… My Three "Moms"

This year I have a special keenness to my thoughts on our upcoming celebration of Mother’s Day. I have been blessed. Blessed with three women in my life whom I call “Mom”. Allow me to introduce them.

My Mother – To others she was known as “Dee”, but to me she was always “Mom”. She was the first woman in my life…married to the first Man in my life. She gave me birth and taught me about life. She poured herself into raising my brother, sister and I. She loved us and we knew it. She loved my Dad and their special bond was evident to all. She also loved Jesus, and it showed. I still remember her sincere rejoicing when I, as an 8 year old girl, ran to her after accepting Christ on that hot August day during church camp. She gave me a firm foundation, a loving home, a wonderful example of a godly woman I could emulate. She planted the inspiration in me to be a “worker at home” and to make my future family my focus. She quietly showed selflessness by example. From her I learned the joy of life…and the sorrow of loss through death. I was 14 years old when the Lord called my Mother home. She was young, and I wasn’t ready to let go of her yet. Even so, through her battle with cancer, I watched her live out Psalms 31:14 “But as for me, I trust in Thee, O Lord. I say, ‘Thou art my God.’ My times are in Thy hand.” And 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” And now, 35 years later, I am still honored to “rise up, and bless her”. I love you Mom.
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My Mom – To others she is known as Linda, but to me she is now “Mom”. She married my Dad in 1972 and doubled the size of her family with the words “I do”! I respect her for accepting the challenge of raising six children with ages ranging from 2 – 16 years. Not an easy task for a widowed 32 year old to take on! As many of you may know, a blended family has a special set of challenges to overcome on the road to “family unity”. Our challenges were great, at times our tears were many as we learned to “grow up” and grow together in Christ. The Lord had a special purpose in bringing us all together! We have learned “…that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom 8:28) We continue to drink deeply of God’s faithfulness in our lives! There are so many things I praise God for in Mom’s life. Her spiritual growth and love for the Lord is evident to all. She speaks often of her love of God and thankfulness for His faithfulness and grace in her life. She is an encouragement to those around her. Her enthusiastic trust in Him is catching! I love to hear her laugh!! She is a mentor and friend to many women and I, like them, respect her. She loves my Dad. I am often challenged in my own life when I watch the way she cares for and serves my Dad. She enjoys her family and lets us know it! And now, 35 years after meeting her, I want to use this opportunity to “rise up, and bless her”. I love you Mom.

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My “Mother-In-Love” – To others she is know as Arlene, but to me she is “Mom”. She is the mother of my husband. She did a fine job of raising her son to be a man of godly character. Several years ago I crossed stitched this poem and gave it to her:

To “His” Mother
Mother-in-law they say, and yet,
Somehow I simply can’t forget
‘Twas you who watched his baby ways
Who taught him his first hymn of praise;
Who smiled on him with living pride
When he first toddled by your side.
Mother-in-law but oh, “twas you,
Who taught him to be kind and true.
When he was tired, almost asleep,
‘Twas to your arms he used to creep.
And when he bruised his tiny knee,
‘Twas you who kissed it tenderly.
Mother-in-law they say, and yet,
Somehow I never shall forget.
How very much I owe
To you, who taught him how to grow.
You trained your son to look above,
You made of him the man I love.
And so I think of that today,
Ah! Then with thankful heart I’ll say,
“Our Mother”

I am thankful for the godly example I see in my Mother-in-love. She has a quiet strength of character that comes from years of walking with the Lord. He has seen fit to use her mightily in the ministry of Christian Women’s Club. Not only is she involved at the local club level, but as a key note speaker who shares her testimony across the country. She has a servant’s heart and uses it to serve her family well. Although she may not realize it, she is such an inspiration to me in my job of homemaking. Her home is a study in organizational skills. Since I am a “recovering pack rat”, I am constantly inspired by her peaceful and orderly home. She works hard at preparing fresh and healthy meals. Practicing good stewardship for the health of her family is a priority for her. I am honored to call her “Mom”. And now, 31 years after meeting her, I want to use this opportunity to “rise up, and bless her”. I love you Mom.

Credits: "Mother's Prayer" poem by: Peggy Wellman
Photos: Personal collection