An Homage to Motherhood

This coming Sunday is Mother's Day!

I trust that every husband has some kind of plans to show special attention to their wives, and every wise person should endeavor to show honor to their moms in some appropriate way.  Personally, I really like to celebrate Mother's Day.  Mothers are often the unsung heroes within the home and are best designed by God to be the heart and compassion of the family.

There are some rare occasions where mothers are a bane rather than a blessing, "Forty and two years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Athaliah the daughter of Omri.  He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counseller to do wickedly. (II Chron.22:2-3)".  Any mother who would lead her children to do wickedly is a blight on her family specifically and on society at large.  Thank God, these are the exceptions rather than the rule.

I have been blessed in my life to be influenced by several women that have been wonderful examples of inspiration.  My life is richer because of the impact of these special ladies.

Jennie Daniels, my grandmother, was the first lady in my memory that left an impression on my life.  My earliest childhood memories go back to the time that I lived with my grandparents after the divorce of my mother and father.  "Mema" was an interesting personality.  Her life had been hard and it seemed to me that I was one of the main causes for joy in her life.  She could love and hate with total passion, but her love for me was without question.  Every two weeks she would receive a check from my dad for child support, but she refused to use it for family needs.  Instead, she used it to buy savings bonds and she would later use this money to buy my school clothes all the way through High School.  Some of the happiest moments of my childhood were spent with Mema and Grandaddy.

Jessie Fernandez, my mother, was also used by God to help mold my character as I grew into manhood.  She also had a challenging life with much of the challenges coming from poor life choices.  I went to live with her and her new husband when I started school.  The home environment was horrible, due largely to the actions and addictions of my step-father.  Through it all, I knew that my mother loved me and was doing the best she could to provide for me and protect me from the situation that we all faced.  She taught me by example the importance of doing your duty, even when it's difficult.

Shirley Cathey, my mother-in-law, also has been one that God has used to impact my life in a righteous way.  When Sandy and I began to date, I was able to see first-hand the kind of home that should be the norm for those who sincerely follow Jesus.  She has always shown me respect, acceptance, and support even at times when I probably was not deserving.  I continue to be blessed by the knowledge that she prays for us, loves us, and supports us as as we serve the Lord.

Sandy Wade Vann, my wife, has truly been the best example of Godly motherhood that I have personally seen in my lifetime.  She has epitomized the ideal for a mother that I see In Scripture, "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:  Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.  When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.  For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: (Prov.6:20-23); The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.  What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?  Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.  It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:  Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. (Prov.31:1-5)"  I have seen the unconditional love that she has for our children and their families.  I have experienced her selflessness when it comes to the welfare of our family.  I have observed the prayers that she offers to God and her passion to see our family live Godly lives and be dedicated to their faith as they follow Jesus.  I hope that my children will comprehend in some way the love that she has for them.  Sandy is the model that I often use as I encourage other women to be the right kind of influence in their homes.

If God has blessed you with a good mother then make this Sunday a special day of recognition.  If you have been impacted by women with genuine faith, be thankful to God for this blessing and let them know, if possible, how special they are to you.