Mother’s Day: one of the most beautiful days of the year in celebration of the unparalleled bond between mother and child. She carried you for nine months and endures an intense labor process to bring you into this world. No wonder there’s nothing that can touch a mother’s deep, affectionate love! It’s a love that should be cherished and celebrated more than just once a year.
If you’re like me, then you grew up without having a father figure around to set the example of how to be a man. Thanks be to God for a strong mother who tried her very best to raise a good man. My mom always has always believed in me, no matter what. She instilled in me a sense of work ethic, strength, love, courage, passion, leadership, discipline, and so many other characteristics that every man needs in order to be successful in this world. She worked two jobs, often coming home late, just so she could provide for my sister and me. The funny thing is, even though my sister and I are all grown up now she still works two jobs!
In addition to my mom modeling a strong work ethic in her drive to provide for us, her sharp sensitivity has always amazed me. She has always been able to quickly pick up on when something was wrong with me. “Is everything ok?” or, “What’s wrong, Tony?” were the questions I would often hear. Even though I would get annoyed sometimes by her asking simply because I didn’t want to talk about it, as I look back I can honestly say that I appreciate every time she checked up on me. Her sensitivity is one simple example of her caring spirit for which I am truly grateful.
God has not only blessed me with a wonderful mother, but also a wonderful mother-in-law. My pastor once said that there’s a lasting influence that comes from a mother’s faith when it is seen and shared. In my experience, that statement couldn’t be any truer. My mother-in-law’s faith has helped me to grow tremendously in the Lord. She believed in me from day one, even before she had any idea that I would be her son-in-law.
She has always been willing to pray for me, share with me, or speak life into my spirit at the perfect time when I was feeling down. She is continually encouraging me to trust in the Lord and be diligent in my walk with Him. She reminds me to stand on His promises no matter what trials may come my way. She never lets me forget that God has a plan for my life no matter how discouraged I may feel sometimes. Her timing is impeccable when it comes to speaking a very much-needed word into my life. That discernment can only come from one who is always praying for you, one who is sensitive and wanting the best for your life. When I feel like giving up, I can always count on her to help lift my spirit and keep me hopeful in the Lord. The example of my mother-in-law’s walk with God has taught me how to truly be a man after God’s own heart, and for that I will be forever grateful!
It’s a love that teaches and motivates you to strive for greatness. I hope this encourages all of you mothers to keep loving with an unconditional, sacrificial love, because that love holds true value in your children’s hearts. I know it does in mine.