I'm reflecting on Mother's Day yesterday, and all that the mothers in my life have come to mean to me. In our children's church hours, I spoke on Mothers from Proverbs 31:10-31, and since we had invited moms to join us in children's church for what we called "SuperMom Sunday", we had a packed house both hours, both places. It was a wonderful morning, and I hope all the moms who attended had a great time and left encouraged.
I spoke about my own mother, who was the first one in our family to come to Christ. When we moved to Georgia in 1972, my mother attended a women's conference at the invitation of a new friend, and she gave her life to Christ. A year later, my father came to Christ himself, in no small part due to the changed life and verbal witness of my mom. Within a few years, as they grew in their new-found faith, I came to Christ, as did my younger brothers. Truly, salvation came to the Brooks household largely because of my mother. And she has always been the prayer warrior and encourager in the faith that a godly mom is meant to be.
Over the years, I've come to love and appreciate my mother-in-law, Brenda, for her godly character and influence as well. Lisa is the youngest of 3, with an older brother and sister. As the "baby" of her family, Lisa was sheltered and cherished by her mother, and grew up in a loving, godly, secure home. I can truly say, after nearly 23 years of marriage to Lisa, her mother Brenda is like a second mom to me.
I spoke about Lisa, and the tremendous influence she has had in the lives of our 2 girls, Ansley & Kelsey. She has always given of herself, sacrificed without complaint, and loved unconditionally, as we have tried to raise our girls to know, love, and follow Christ. Children will always have to grow up and make their own life choices. But in our home, Lisa's influence with them, in her words of wisdom, how she pushed them to excel, and lived herself what she taught, has hopefully given our girls plenty of ammo to make wise, godly choices in life. I am forever grateful for the godly woman I am privileged to call my wife.
"A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." Proverbs 31:10
I know three- my mom, my mom-in-law, and my own precious wife. All three are priceless.