A Proverbs 31 Mom

My mother is a woman of noble character. The German translation of that word makes you visualize a person with a big heart. She is probably the most unselfish person I have known and, adding to that, she is trustworthy, honest and faithful.

Her faithfulness to my Dad was shown by doing him good all the days of his life. My father was the decision maker in their relationship in a way that would make women today rebel, but she trusted him and supported him, through the good and the bad. At the end of his life, my Dad lived with the physical and emotional results of strokes for fifteen years, yet she faithfully thought about his needs. She was someone he could depend on to the end.

She has worked with eager hands, being a diligent and conscientious worker. She was never afraid of physical work, such as gardening or scrubbing a place to keep it clean and comfortable. Quite a number of my growing up years, she had a job on the side, but I never noticed that she used that as an excuse to go out or tell us kids we were on our own. She was very careful about how she spent money and never thought of a certain amount as being hers, to treat herself with.

Thinking back now, I realize that she must have gotten up early and stayed up late to make sure that our lunches got packed, homemade meals were ready and our clothes were washed, ironed and put back in our closets. She had to plan ahead and use her time wisely. She provided food not only for us, but also was always ready to invite someone who needed a bowl of soup.

When we were young, she sewed our clothing and our bedding, making sure we were clothed properly and warm. In her spare time, when I was older, I saw how she regularly collected used clothing and packed it up to send to the poor in Brazil.

When I reflect on all that she has come through, I must say that she is clothed with strength and dignity. She speaks with wisdom, and yet, when she doesn’t know the answer, I know that she continually commits all of her cares to her heavenly Father who sees and hears her cries.

We have been blessed with a mother who stands with us and also gets on her knees on our behalf. There are women who are more concerned about charm and beauty, which is fleeting, but she is to be praised for fearing the Lord.

Her children arise and call her blessed.

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