Proverbs 23:22 – “Listen to your father who …begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old.” NKJV

My father gave me instruction in life and demanded obedience and discipline.  His strong hand was an instrument of God to keep me alive through some very difficult times. My Mother gave me instruction in life and gave me a visible demonstration of love that was unconditional.  She covered me with her love and her prayers daily, especially in those times when she did not know where I was for certain or what kind of danger, I might be in.

There is little doubt that her hair turned white, at least in part, because of my antics.  We lost my dad many years before my mother went home to be with the LORD.  We treasured having her around as many years as she lived and Honored her!  She had the ability to impart wisdom into our lives and touch those around her with her character, demeanor, and attitude.  As far as I’m concerned, she will always be honored and given the love and respect she deserved, and God will honor her in eternity for who she was in Him!   I am so thankful to have such a wonderful saintly mother as my example!

Isaiah 46:4 – “Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you.” NASB

God carried her through all her earthly days, and she was my rock in many ways!  This morning the Lord whispered in my heart that He allowed us to keep her as long as we did to inspire and instill in us, love, honor, and devotion.  He reminded me of the numerous times he has raised her from her sickbed and performed a miracle of healing for her. I recall that when I was in boot camp, she was hit from the rear by a vehicle doing over 100 MPH (according to the DPS officer’s investigation) and she made sure that all the ladies in the vehicle with her got out to safety.  She then rushed to the other car to apply a pressure bandage to the driver of the other vehicle and thereby saved his life.

She was healed of a broken back and paralysis in her lower extremities. She was been healed of a ruptured Appendix, healed of Melanoma, other things, and a bout with septic shock, pneumonia, and a very large kidney stone. God preserved her and not just to preserve her but so that she could continue to touch other lives including her family. To God be the glory.  That I will never forget, and it reminds me of God’s goodness.  He used my mother to teach me the sureness of His Promises. 

1 Kings 3:14 – “If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days.” NASB

I believe that her days were prolonged because of her commitment to God and the honor she gave His Word and her parents as well as the care she gave her children. She was a beacon through the years and was always an encourager to those around her even when they wanted to give up and quit.

Forgive me for making this devotional about my mother.  I do not meant to slight my dad in not mentioning his incredible sacrifices but both parents demonstrated incredible love and gave us a heritage that lasts. This is also a tribute to God and His faithfulness.  It should be our ambition in life to place God first, seek His Kingdom above all else and walk in the light of His Word being a witness both by our words and our lives.

May the Lord bless you as you go through your day today!