Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” NKJV

Ephesians 6:2 – “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:” NKJV

Ephesians 6:2 – “HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.” NASB

I think this is sometimes a forgotten or disregarded passage from scripture. My mother honored her parents in every way. She respected them with words, thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Her parents did the same for their parents, and both lived long lives.

My mother lived to be ninety-five, and I believe that was directly attributed to more than genetics.  I believe it is connected to this commandment.  Parents are to be honored, even those who must be forgiven! However, the ones who have learned honor from their parents & the Lord are easy to honor, as is my mother!

I pay tribute to her in this post and to the Lord, who preserved her for many years. Although she went home to be with Jesus on March 5, 2015. However, her influence will be with me forever. She was the prayer warrior who prayed me through what the doctors pronounced as sure death as a child. That continued in my teen years when rebellion set in, and only the hand of God kept me out of trouble and alive.  It continued through Vietnam, where only her prayers and God’s grace kept me from being killed, which was evidenced on more occasions than I want to recall.

Through years of ministry, when, at times, I wanted to walk away and through domestic issues that could have destroyed my faith – She Prayed!  She never stopped loving me or the Lord and never stopped praying or encouraging me!   She was always MOTHER!  

That is an honored position!  It is one thing to bear a child. It is quite another to be a True Mother to that child; she has been that in every possible way. To my mother, Elva M. Beaird, today I pay tribute! I say, “Thank you, Mother, for your love, guidance, prayers, and commitment to me! Thank you, Lord, for giving me a mother of that quality and character!“

Indeed, I am blessed richly in my heritage. I desire that it be passed down to my children and grandchildren to pass on to the following generations should the Lord tarry His coming! Honor in all things is not an option. It is essential, but honoring your parents is so easy, knowing their great love, commitment, and sacrifices!

God bless each of you, and if your parents are still with you, honor them.  If they have gone to the other side, honor them. 

My prayer is that you will have a fantastic day!