This is my first Mother's Day without mama.* So, it's natural that I would think about her probably more than in years past. I didn't want to let the day go by without giving glory to God for the mother He specifically chose for me.
I'm thankful, so very thankful, that my memories of Mother are filled with so many tender and sweet thoughts. Perfect? Heavens no! No family is perfect but the banner over our relationship, at the end of the day, was always 'love'.
I've been studying the book of Titus for the past month and have meditated a lot on Titus 2:3-5 which teaches that the older women are to teach the younger women to love their husbands, children, self-controlled, keepers at home, pure, kind and subject to their own husbands.
Mama taught us these things by not only her words but the life she lived. She loved my father not only with her words but her actions. We never doubted this as children. She served him, put his needs above her own, adjusted her life to what pleased him. She spoke kindly to him and respected him. If she sensed Daddy didn't like something she was doing, she stopped.
She loved us girls. She took us to church and taught us to fear and respect God. She cooked, cleaned and made clothes for us. She disciplined us fairly and consistently for our good. She taught us to respect others and to be kind to any living thing. She wanted us to not be ashamed to bring our friends home so she always kept a clean house. She put our needs above her own. Many a night I would lie in bed and hear her working to keep on top of the duties in the home. She laid her life down for her family. She was a wonderful example of the gospel... Jesus who came to serve and not be served... giving His life as a ransom for many. She was an older woman that taught me so many things that have blessed my own marriage and home.
So, today, I realize that even though Mama is not with us, the good things Mama taught will live on in all the lives that knew her...especially my sister and I. Now the torch is passed to my generation. "I" am the older woman!! May God help me to teach the 'good things' He has commanded. May the way I love my husband, children, guard my home and treat others show the world that the saving power of the gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives, which changes homes for God's glory.
…so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
Titus 2:10 NIV
* My mother left this world on September 3, 2021 after a 3 week battle with COVID. She now rests in the everlasting arms of God her Father.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother sounds like an absolutely amazing woman and I can tell you treasure the memories of her! Mother's are a precious gift.
ReplyDeleteI had been thinking about you a lot lately, glad to see you post.
Thank you, Amy, for your kind words! I hope you are well!
DeleteSorry to hear you lost your mama. My mama passed away on a September 3 also, but it will be 10 years ago this year.
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful post, reminding us all of what our duties are.
Thank you, and I hope you come back and post some more real soon!
Thank you, Jo! It is hard to be without our mothers. God remains faithful through it all.
DeleteLove seeing your post. I may get back into blogging again.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Carol! And thanks for the encouragement!
DeleteI am sorry to read the passing of your dear mother. Hugs. I surely miss your blog posts and often go back and read them. Lona Pritchett
ReplyDeleteAppreciate youur blog post
ReplyDelete