This is the time of year when we honor mothers. My mother played a significant roll in my spiritual formation. She prayed for me before I was born. While I was still in her arms as a child she prayed for me and dedicated me to the Lord for Him to use me for His glory.
I gave her many reasons to pray for me as I was growing up. One time she got to the point where she was ready to give up and throw in the towel. She said to God, “If this is what I get after all of this praying, I quit!” Then, through her tears and sobbing, she sensed God lovingly saying to her, “My dear child, your job is to pray. My job is to answer prayer. Don’t worry about my part. You be faithful in your part.” Fortunately for me she kept on prying and in less than a month God answered her prayer by bringing me back to Him.
Most of my adult life I have been in the ministry. Only God knows how many lives have been touched through my life in answer to my mother’s prayers. I believe He has done exceeding, abundantly above all she asked or even thought, as He promised to do in Ephesians 3:20-21.
My wife, the mother of our four children has been a faithful prayer warrior for our four children and eleven grandchildren. She has cared for and trained them well. My two daughters and two daughters-in-law have carried on the tradition. Living in relationship with these mothers in my extended family has enriched my life. I desire to give them the reward they have earned, and will let their works bring them praise at the city gate (Proverbs 30:31).
To my loving wife, Muriel, “Thanks honey for being YOU!”
