Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day tomorrow it made me think of all the women I have known. The ones that have crossed my path, shaped my faith, loved me, and some I haven’t seen in a long time. I couldn’t think about women without pondering the Proverbs 31 woman. Have you ever thought about her? She was a phenomenal lady, a Wonder Woman for her family and the community, and our role model.

i have always wanted to be a Proverbs 31 woman but have fallen short in many ways. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve tried. Really, really tried. I just can’t quite live up to those high standards. Do you know anyone who can?

What if that was written today? How would it sound? Who is today’s Proverbs 31 woman or is there really one today?

Can any man find a moral, virtuous wife?
She would be more valuable than diamonds or gold.
Her husband could trust her with everything,
Especially his love, and would lack nothing of true value.
She gives him her best and does not deceive him ever.
She does laundry, ironing, and makes delicious meals with loving hands and never complains.
Her alarm clock goes off while it is still dark so she can prepare breakfast, fix lunches, and fill the slow cooker with dinner before going to work.
She does not gossip, lie, or slander. Her word is true.
Never does she steal even one penny. She does not take from others.
She attends church each Sunday and has raised her children to go.
She gladly gives her time, money, and self to those that need it.
She helps those in need, giving money and food to young families and
Taking hot meals to elderly, staying to visit and clean for them.
She volunteers in the community and at church. She loves to help.
Her husband is respected in their church and community.
She does nothing to disgrace, only honor him.
She has a strength and dignity that she wears like a sweet perfume.
She trusts in God and does not concern herself with worry over the future.
She is wise and gives good, sound advice. When her girls need to know how to do something they turn to her for direction and instruction.
She keeps an immaculate house and is never lazy, always working to make her home better.
Her daughters call her a treasure and blessing. Her husband praises her, also.
Many women do noble things, but she is above them. She does everything with love for God and family.
Some women are only pretty on the outside, but she is a true woman of faith.
Beautiful inside and out.
Her family loves and cherishes this wonderful, beautiful, perfect for us Proverbs 31 woman.

As you might have guessed, this was rewritten for my precious, beloved Mother, our sweet Proverbs 31 woman. She is the best, most perfect woman for us. God blessed us by giving this amazing woman to our family. God is awesome. Isn’t He?

What about your family? Who are your Proverbs 31 women. Have you told them how fabulous they are? How loved and appreciated? Mother’s Day is a great time to show appreciation.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. You definitely are the Proverbs 31 woman of our family and loved beyond what we could ever say. Your daughters strive to be like you. You have the love of every one of us, and our gratitude, also. Thank you for all you do. Enjoy Mother’s Day and always. You are treasured and adored.

Proverbs 31:10-31 KJV

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Why we celebrate Mother’s Day is pretty obvious. Right or is it? Who doesn’t want to celebrate the wonderful mothers in their family, especially their own sweet one? Did you ever wonder when we began to celebrate Mother’s Day? That’s a seldom known answer. I studied up so I could share it with you, but what I found made me realize the why we celebrate is a bit deeper.

Before the Civil War a woman from West Virginia named Ann Reeves Jarvis began a series of clubs to help teach women about caring for their children. “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” did not just teach women how to care for their children, they taught them the right, proper way. Women were able to dispel myths and incorrect information by attending these meetings. The meetings helped unify ladies after the Civil War and they promoted reconciliation between Union and Confederates in 1868.

It was not until 1908 the official Mother’s Day holiday was celebrated in a small way. Ann Reeves Jarvis’ daughter, Anna wanted to carry on her mother’s efforts after she died in 1905. Anna thought a day to celebrate and honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children would be perfect. She received financial support from a Philadelphia department store owner in May 1908, and she organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. Also on that day, the department store owner held a Mother’s Day event at one of retail his stores in Philadelphia. Thousands of people attended.

A few years later the holiday had more support. There were many states, towns and churches celebrating Mother’s Day as an annual holiday in 1912, but it was not a national holiday. Anna Jarvis kept trying and set up the Mother’s Day International Association to help with her cause. Finally in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson officially established the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

It is interesting to note, Anna did this all in her mother’s memory and for mothers everywhere as she never married nor had children. She just wanted to honor her mother’s memory and great sacrifice. Mothers give up so much for their children, but it is willingly with love. Their freedom is gone, money disappears, sleep is rare, calmness is replaced with chaos, and peace often with concern. Ask any mother if it was worth it and all (or most everyone) will say absolutely.

This Mother’s Day remember it is more than a casual “Thanks, Mom” day. It is a sincere “Thank you for all you have sacrificed for me, Mother” day. Reflect on what she has done, given, given up, and sacrificed for you. Originally Mother’s Day was to honor a mother or woman’s sacrifice for children. Is it still?

My sweet, dear Mother sacrificed more than she will ever let me or my sister know. I am certain of that. She is a great woman of faith, adored and treasured. Just hearing her voice makes my day better. Yes, I am a mama’s girl and proud of it. Thank you for EVERYTHING, Mother. You are appreciated and loved.

Modern Day Proverbs 31 Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31 KJV

What Do You Really Know About Mother’s Day?