In honor of Mother’s Day, I thought I would write a post about things I learned from my mom. I actually had to limit my list, because I kept coming up with more things, so I settled on 10. Enjoy!
- Jesus - first and foremost, my mother taught me about Christ. My earliest memories involve church, Bible stories and singing praise together as a family. I never knew a time that Jesus wasn’t part of my life, even before He saved me personally. I am so grateful for that, because I know it is rare. My testimony may seem “boring”, but I wouldn’t change it for anything! More than anything else, I am so glad my mother showed me Jesus.
- How to serve in ministry alongside your husband - for my entire childhood, my dad was a minster of music and so I watched my parents serve God and his people together for all of those years. I saw them in the good times and the bad times of ministry and I learned so much from seeing my mom support my dad. She served with him, sang with him, prayed for him, and encouraged him in the rough times. I learned so much from her in that area and now that I am the wife of an Elder, I think often about her example and try to be like her!
- Stage presence - I have no memories that don’t involve my family singing together. I sat and watched my parents sing together and lead worship hundreds of times, and then when I got old enough, I joined them. One thing that has always stuck out to me is that my mom truly shows on her face and with her hands the words she is singing. She is beautiful to watch and I learned a lot about how to lead others in worship by watching her.
- Teaching Skills - I am not exaggerating when I say that I believe my mom is one of the most gifted teachers I have ever known. I have seen her teach a lot throughout her 30 year career and I so appreciate that she is still using her gifts not only in her job but at church by teaching Sunday School, Family Quest and VBS. ANYTHING I have learned about teaching pretty much came from watching her. As I begin this homeschooling adventure, I am so thankful to know I can go to her with questions anytime. She has such a special ability to interact with children in a way that makes them feel special, but also sets high expectations for their behavior and learning. I want to be that way with my kids!
- Emotions are ok - If you know my family at all, you know that we are an emotional group! And, while sometimes I wish I had more control over my tears, I am thankful for a home that was always a safe place for tears, hurts and fears. My mom was always the main person I talked to about about the things going on in my life and I never felt belittled in any way for my feelings. I am a better person because of that safe space she created for me.
- Affection - My mom was very affectionate with us. Hugs, kisses, holding hands, rubbing our hair, it didn’t matter. She made me feel loved every day. One of my favorite memories as a child is that EVERY week in church, mom would stroke my head during the sermon. If she ever stopped, I would grab her hand and put it back on my head :) because I loved that feeling so much. I am trying to be this way with my kids. Affection shows love, and I never doubted that I was loved.
- Cleanliness/Order - As much as I hated chores as a kid, I am so glad that my mom set such a good example in keeping a home. She was orderly and consistent and taught me all about cleaning, laundry, etc. I know how to keep my home because of her and even though I went through some messy years as a teenager, I am a neater person now, because of her.
- How to shave my legs (and other girly things) - My mom was the best at helping me through each step of becoming a woman. Even the scary parts were easier because she was honest, open and helpful. I know that not every girl has a godly woman to guide her through those changes and so I don’t take it for granted that I did. She always spoke highly of womanhood and helped me to see what a gift God had given me in my femininity. With two daughters of my own, I am grateful to have had such an example as I begin to navigate those same waters. (Yikes)
- Manners - Both of my parents were raised in the south and because of that, they were sticklers for manners. Yes mam, Yes sir, napkins in laps, elbows off the tables, and on and on it went. As a child, it often annoyed me, but for the most part they made the learning process fun and I am not a savage animal because of their training! And more specifically, my mother showed me daily how a classy, graceful woman should carry herself. Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit her grace and instead am the clumsy type, but I learned so much from watching her.
- Redemption - If you have heard my mother’s testimony, you know that God redeemed her out of so much. Her story has always meant a lot to me, first because I am so thankful to the Lord that He called her to salvation. But, also because it reminds me that there is no hopeless situation. Our history is NOT our destiny. Her life has been a constant reminder to me of God’s redeeming power!
My mom would be the first to point out that she wasn’t perfect. Just like all of us, she has her weaknesses. Any good in her life, is from Christ alone! But, I do want to take this moment to say: Mom, I am so grateful for you. I know that you have struggled with hurtful comments and doubts about who you are. Please hear this: You were a wonderful wife and mother, you are a still a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, and you are becoming more like Christ each day. I look up to you and I love you. All of your work and effort has not been in vain, and it hasn’t been unnoticed. I am who I am because of you.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Jessica
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