Mother’s Day is this month on May 13, with American consumers spending approximately $16.3 billion on gifts to show how much they love their moms. Mother’s Day has always been a hard holiday for me. I wasn’t close to my mom. Our relationship had a lot of problems. Then she suddenly died from a blood clot in her leg (which probably traveled to her heart) when I was 18 years old, pregnant with my oldest daughter Heather. When I had Heather, I wished I had someone to teach me about things like how often to nurse and what to do about diaper rash. I needed a mom, then and throughout my life.
God has been faithful, though, to send many spiritual mothers into my life to pray for and encourage me along life’s rocky path. Women with a strong faith in Jesus who have mentored me, taught me how to pray and exhorted me to be a godly wife and mother: Nicki Cantrell, Louise Wilson, Blanch Hershberger, Crystal Tinsley, Suzy Bunton, Marcheta DeVries, Ruth Christian, Shannon Rigsby, Maria Willis, Kimberly Ehlers, Lois Graham, Nancy Graham, Jane VanOsdol, Mary Kane, Susan Evans, Diane Bishop, Gala Palmgren, Joanne Heim, and many others.
God has also sent many “business mothers” into my life to encourage me and help me with training, knowledge, and resources for my business toolbox, smart women who are coaches, mentors, teachers, peers: Diane Cunningham, Jo Ann Fore, Sheri McConnell, Carrie Wilkerson, Julie Ziglar Norman, Donna Partow, Beth Moore, Joyce Meyers, Kate Powers, Alyssa Avant, Sandi Krakowski, LaTara Ham Ying, Tony Robinson, Bess Blanco, Shelley Valasek, and more.
I’m so thankful to God for my “many mothers.” At times I do wish I had a real, flesh-and-blood “good mother” whose shoulder I could cry on, eat Mexican with, or go shopping with anytime. (My mothers-in-law – Ray’s mom and his stepmom – both live in different states from us.)
Not having a mom – a godly mother – has been an ache and a void throughout my life.
That’s why it’s been so important to me to be a godly, good mom to my own beautiful, precious children. I feel motherhood is one of the greatest, most sacred gifts God has ever given me and I’m so thankful for my kids. But God has been so faithful to bring women of God into my life who could help me, pray for me, love me, and direct me.
Who are the women in your life who you can thank for being a “mom” to you, spiritually or business-wise? Be sure to thank them this month’s Mother’s Day!
Who can find a virtuous woman? She is far more precious than jewels…
Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.
Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
He husband also praises her:
Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.
~Proverbs 31:10, 25-30
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