Blessed doesn’t come close to describing my life. I’m surrounded by loving family and friends, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. So many of those friends are like family, and I love Mother’s Day because I have so many women in my life who are like mothers to me. It’s absolutely wonderful.

My own mother is extraordinary all on her own, but she has this group of friends she’s kept since childhood, and each one is another mother to me. They call and check on me from time to time, they pray for me and they even come visit on occasion. I have lots of friends whose mothers always looked out for me, mothers from my high school days, mothers from my college days and even mothers right here in Huntsville. I’m telling y’all, I am so blessed!

So to all the mothers out there, enjoy today and the appreciation and thanks we all give. To all the mothers in my own life… from Auburn to Huntsville, from Montgomery to Morristown, from North Carolina to Tennessee, from Virginia to Texas, thank you for loving me and for always being there. I thank God every time I remember you. (Phil. 1:3)

And to my own mother (who you’ll hear more about later this week), thank you. You’ve always loved me despite my failures. You’ve always encouraged me and cheered for me along the way. When I fall short or disappoint you, you reach for me with open arms. You are my very best friend, and there’s not a secret in my heart you don’t know. I love you more than a simple blog post can say, and I have never deserved the love you have so freely given. I am proud to be your daughter. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for me. Thank you for your never ceasing prayers and thank you for your patience. As an adult, I recognize how much of those two I required. Thank you for loving me just as I am and thank you for accepting me as a free-spirit. Thank you for your constant and continued prayers — so many times, yours are the ones that kept me safe. Thank you loving Jesus and for openly sharing His love with our family. Thank you for everything! I pray one day, to be a mother like you. I love you mom, Happy Mother’s Day!

And Happy Mother’s Day to you!

A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring praise at the city gate.

-Taken from Proverbs 31