Below is part two in the Godly Mother series. This article has made me stop and question my life. Am I an honorable woman? Are you an honorable woman?
What is a Mother? part #2 by Sue C.
Characteristics of a godly mother:
A godly, virtuous mother is an honorable woman. Proverbs 31:28 says, "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." A mother should cause her children to honor her by being honorable, that is, by living a life deserving of honor.
The Bible gives many characteristics of an honorable woman. Following are some of them:
1. An honorable woman deserves a place of dignity or distinction. Psalm 45:9 says, "Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir." I realize that this passage is partly allegorical. However, all true believers are children of the King of Kings, and a godly mother is one of God's honorable women, decked out in God's riches.
2. An honorable woman seeks to live holy. She is not focused on fulfilling her own pleasures and her own desires; rather her heart longs to honour God. "If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD." (Isaiah 58:13,14a)
3. An honorable woman is humble; humility brings her honor. Proverbs 15:33 says, "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility."
4. An honorable woman is content. Humility and a contented heart go together. In I Corinthians 12:23-25 God's word says, "And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another."
These verses are specifically talking about Christian members which serve in the church. They make reference to both the physical and spiritual body. Some members of the church body are women. Women are also members of a family unit. A body part or member that is humble does not adorn herself in gaudy apparel or go about looking for attention. She is quiet and content, doing her job faithfully and without complaint. When others see this, they look upon her with respect and honour.
I Peter 3:7 says that the wife is the weaker vessel in the home. She is a body part that has need. Therefore more abundant honor is bestowed upon her, and respect and care is given her which makes her more comely.
5. A honorable woman is highly esteemed by others. In Proverbs 31:31, God says, "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
6. An honorable woman is gracious. The first part of Proverbs 11:16 says, "A gracious woman retaineth honour." According to Strongs Concordance, to be gracious means to be kind and pleasant. Proverbs 31:26 says this about an honorable woman, "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." A kind, pleasant woman is able to maintain honor. People remember her for her godly example and for her helpful words and works.
7. An honorable woman does not cause strife or contention and does not meddle in the affairs of others. Proverbs 17:14 says, "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with." When a woman shows thoughtful concern for others without trying to interfere in their lives, others respect and honor her. They know that she truly cares about them.
8. An honorable woman is righteous and merciful. According to Proverbs 21:21, a person "...that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour." Honor comes from an upright life and merciful kindness to others even when they don't deserve kindness.
There are several more characteristics of a godly, honorable mother; and these will be enumerated in part #3. What a tremendous responsibility it is for a mother to be a godly woman. But a godly woman reaps the honor of others, the respect of her husband and children, and a life that leaves an example for others to follow. A godly mother lives a life that causes others to see how great and good God is.
(All Scripture verses quoted from KJV)
by Sue C.
About the Author
I was born to missionary parents in the country of Papua New Guinea. Because my parents faithfully taught me God's word, I accepted Jesus as Saviour at an early age. The Lord gave me a godly mother, and her life helped me to see the things described in this article. May this article encourage you.
Showing posts with label Strength in the Lord. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Strength in the Lord. Show all posts
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Answered Prayers Aren't Always What we Expect
I posted a Verse of The Day below this post. After publishing the post, I could not get the verse or my thoughts on the verse out of my mind. I decided that I needed to expand on my thoughts.
Answered Prayers
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7
This verse brought prayer to the forefront of my mind. My life is so very blessed by the Lord. He has given me so much and has answered all of my prayers. I know the Lord will provide for me, when it is His will that I truly seek.
When I was pregnant with my son, I prayed to our Father every day that He would give me a happy and healthy child. A simple request, yes, but it was my heart’s desire. The Lord answered my prayer and today my son is both happy and healthy. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank the Lord for that answered prayer.
Are answered prayers always this easy? Of course not. Sometimes the Lord answers our prayers in ways that we certainly do not expect. Sometimes the answer to a prayer is so difficult that you can’t imagine why it is happening to you. At the beginning of the relationship with my husband, I prayed that the Lord would make our relationship work and make it strong. Less than one year into our relationship, my then boyfriend, an outwardly healthy 26 year old man, was diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma. The cancer had spread to his lymph nodes. The cancer was going to require one year of chemotherapy type treatments. A couple of months into his treatments, my boyfriend proposed to me. My answer was an immediate yes. It never occurred to me that I should consider anything other than yes. Why would cancer effect my decision?
A very dear friend once told me, “The Lord will never give you more than you can handle.” I made it my mission to live this message and make my fiancé live it as well. As a result, I went on to be the typical “bride to be.” My focus was on the having the perfect wedding (perfect dress, perfect flowers, perfect food, perfect cake, perfect music). Three weeks prior to our wedding day, my fiancé started having headaches, blurred vision and dizzy spells. His oncologist sent him for a brain scan to rule out a brain tumor. “WHAT? No, that’s not possible!,” were my reactions. What a wake up call! Somehow, I managed to forget how serious his condition really was. We went to the brain scan together, then waited for the results from his normally deadpan doctor together. As soon as his doctor entered the room, a huge smile spread across his face. It was then, that we knew there was no brain tumor. It was the treatments that were causing his symptoms.
It was at that moment, that I realized what the Lord was doing in our relationship. He was bringing us together on a level that so many, at our young age and stage in our relationship, never get to experience. At that point, I realized that the only thing that mattered was being married to that man. The perfect wedding no longer mattered to me. I gained the prospective I needed.
Have you ever heard the saying, “Be careful what you pray for?” Answered prayers aren’t always what we expect them to be. Sometimes they are straight and to the point. Other times, they are trials in our lives. Should these trials in our lives, keep us from asking?
Answered Prayers
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7
This verse brought prayer to the forefront of my mind. My life is so very blessed by the Lord. He has given me so much and has answered all of my prayers. I know the Lord will provide for me, when it is His will that I truly seek.
When I was pregnant with my son, I prayed to our Father every day that He would give me a happy and healthy child. A simple request, yes, but it was my heart’s desire. The Lord answered my prayer and today my son is both happy and healthy. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank the Lord for that answered prayer.
Are answered prayers always this easy? Of course not. Sometimes the Lord answers our prayers in ways that we certainly do not expect. Sometimes the answer to a prayer is so difficult that you can’t imagine why it is happening to you. At the beginning of the relationship with my husband, I prayed that the Lord would make our relationship work and make it strong. Less than one year into our relationship, my then boyfriend, an outwardly healthy 26 year old man, was diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma. The cancer had spread to his lymph nodes. The cancer was going to require one year of chemotherapy type treatments. A couple of months into his treatments, my boyfriend proposed to me. My answer was an immediate yes. It never occurred to me that I should consider anything other than yes. Why would cancer effect my decision?
A very dear friend once told me, “The Lord will never give you more than you can handle.” I made it my mission to live this message and make my fiancé live it as well. As a result, I went on to be the typical “bride to be.” My focus was on the having the perfect wedding (perfect dress, perfect flowers, perfect food, perfect cake, perfect music). Three weeks prior to our wedding day, my fiancé started having headaches, blurred vision and dizzy spells. His oncologist sent him for a brain scan to rule out a brain tumor. “WHAT? No, that’s not possible!,” were my reactions. What a wake up call! Somehow, I managed to forget how serious his condition really was. We went to the brain scan together, then waited for the results from his normally deadpan doctor together. As soon as his doctor entered the room, a huge smile spread across his face. It was then, that we knew there was no brain tumor. It was the treatments that were causing his symptoms.
It was at that moment, that I realized what the Lord was doing in our relationship. He was bringing us together on a level that so many, at our young age and stage in our relationship, never get to experience. At that point, I realized that the only thing that mattered was being married to that man. The perfect wedding no longer mattered to me. I gained the prospective I needed.
Have you ever heard the saying, “Be careful what you pray for?” Answered prayers aren’t always what we expect them to be. Sometimes they are straight and to the point. Other times, they are trials in our lives. Should these trials in our lives, keep us from asking?
Friday, January 12, 2007
Believe!
This article was screaming at me. It was saying, "Read me, you need to read me. This is you. You have done these things. Do you always seek God first in every situation?" Recently, we have been struggling with our budget and have come to the conclusion that I need to return to work by February. The first week, I did nothing but worry about it and fret over it. Then, a light went on. I knew I needed to trust that the Lord would provide and make something happen for me. Things are happening now that just might allow me to stay home with my son. Trust and Faith are all it takes.
Christians in America - An Unbelieving Generation?
In a lot of ways I'm pretty average. I may be a bit taller than some, and probably weigh more than I should, but there isn't really anything extraordinary about me. So when I read the stories in the Bible, and think about how the majority of the people who were there reacted, I assume that I would have done what everyone else was doing. One example is the story in Mark 9:14-29 about a father who brought his demon-possessed son to be healed. When the father came to the disciples, Jesus wasn't there. He was with Peter, James, and John and they were on their way back from the mountain where they had seen Jesus transfigured before their eyes. As they approached the other disciples they noticed that a large crowd had gathered, and that the teachers of the law were arguing with them. When Jesus asked what they were arguing about, the man whose son was demon-possessed came and explained to Him how his son was being tormented by the spirit, and that he had asked the disciples to cast it out, but they hadn't been able to. It's at this point that Jesus says, "O unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." (Mark 9:19) Like I said, I'm pretty average. If I had been one of the disciples it's a good bet that I would have been in the middle of the crowd, arguing with the teachers, and trying to figure out why I hadn't been able to cast them demon out. And it's not like casting out demons was a foreign concept to them. When we look at Mark chapter 6 we see that Jesus sent them out, two by two, and gave them authority over demons. This was actually something that they had done before. But when I look at my life, I realize that even though there are things that I've done before, it doesn't mean that it will be easy for me to do it again. All I have to do is look at how I spent the last few days, or weeks, in my life and realize that Jesus could very well look at me and say, "O unbelieving Rob, how long will I have to stay with you? How long will I have to keep reminding you of all that I've already taught you?" I don't know about you, but when I'm faced with a new problem, or just an ongoing old one, I tend to forget all that God has already done for me. When struggling with financial issues I usually get discouraged and depressed. I focus too much on the problem, or what I don't have, and I forget that all things are possible with God. One of the scriptures that I battle with the most is in Matthew 6:28-34, especially verse 33 which says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." I find myself worrying about what I'll eat, or wear, or how I'll pay my mortgage this month. In other words, I worry about "all these things." This verse isn't hard for us because God is asking to do something that is impossible. We have difficulties with it because it's so unnatural. If we look around us we can see dozens, hundreds, maybe even millions of examples of people who worry about how they are going survive, let alone doing any better than that. The fact that we worry about it is normal in the sense that it's something everyone does. But I wonder if Jesus would look at us, those of us in America and other countries where the Word of God is readily available, and just shake His head in frustration. Would He look at us and say, "O unbelieving generation, when are you going to finally understand? When are you finally going to believe?" We are surrounded with God's word, it's being preached in our pulpits, over the airwaves, and at us in our daily email devotionals, but do we believe it? In all fairness it is a frightening thing, the prospect of really believing God's word, or really trusting Him. And it's not about us having to do anything that is really crazy, or risky, but just trusting Him with our daily battles. It's sad to think that Christians in America are just as likely to get divorced, struggle just as much as everyone else financially, and are just as unhappy with their lives as people who don't believe in God at all. But I know that taking a step to trust God, to begin to pray with the expectation that He will answer and do amazing things in our lives, won't be easy. Too often we end up like the disciples who watched helplessly as a demon-possessed boy fell to the ground and foamed at the mouth. We end up overwhelmed by our circumstances and unable to see how God can change things. Because I'm not particularly extraordinary, I'm just an average Christian; I have to realize that the same thing applies to me that applies to everyone else. I have to allow God to change me. I need to ask Him to open my eyes so that I can see beyond what's happening to me and finally see what's possible with God. I must let Him put my faith to the test so that He can remove my doubts. And even though that will be hard, the reward is that I will finally begin to truly have faith in God. About the Author Get two chapters from Rob Marshall's book, "Taking On Goliath - How To Unleash The David In All Of Us" when you sign up for his free weekly Faith-Full Life Newsletter. Visit: http://www.takingongoliath.com/
Christians in America - An Unbelieving Generation?
In a lot of ways I'm pretty average. I may be a bit taller than some, and probably weigh more than I should, but there isn't really anything extraordinary about me. So when I read the stories in the Bible, and think about how the majority of the people who were there reacted, I assume that I would have done what everyone else was doing. One example is the story in Mark 9:14-29 about a father who brought his demon-possessed son to be healed. When the father came to the disciples, Jesus wasn't there. He was with Peter, James, and John and they were on their way back from the mountain where they had seen Jesus transfigured before their eyes. As they approached the other disciples they noticed that a large crowd had gathered, and that the teachers of the law were arguing with them. When Jesus asked what they were arguing about, the man whose son was demon-possessed came and explained to Him how his son was being tormented by the spirit, and that he had asked the disciples to cast it out, but they hadn't been able to. It's at this point that Jesus says, "O unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." (Mark 9:19) Like I said, I'm pretty average. If I had been one of the disciples it's a good bet that I would have been in the middle of the crowd, arguing with the teachers, and trying to figure out why I hadn't been able to cast them demon out. And it's not like casting out demons was a foreign concept to them. When we look at Mark chapter 6 we see that Jesus sent them out, two by two, and gave them authority over demons. This was actually something that they had done before. But when I look at my life, I realize that even though there are things that I've done before, it doesn't mean that it will be easy for me to do it again. All I have to do is look at how I spent the last few days, or weeks, in my life and realize that Jesus could very well look at me and say, "O unbelieving Rob, how long will I have to stay with you? How long will I have to keep reminding you of all that I've already taught you?" I don't know about you, but when I'm faced with a new problem, or just an ongoing old one, I tend to forget all that God has already done for me. When struggling with financial issues I usually get discouraged and depressed. I focus too much on the problem, or what I don't have, and I forget that all things are possible with God. One of the scriptures that I battle with the most is in Matthew 6:28-34, especially verse 33 which says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." I find myself worrying about what I'll eat, or wear, or how I'll pay my mortgage this month. In other words, I worry about "all these things." This verse isn't hard for us because God is asking to do something that is impossible. We have difficulties with it because it's so unnatural. If we look around us we can see dozens, hundreds, maybe even millions of examples of people who worry about how they are going survive, let alone doing any better than that. The fact that we worry about it is normal in the sense that it's something everyone does. But I wonder if Jesus would look at us, those of us in America and other countries where the Word of God is readily available, and just shake His head in frustration. Would He look at us and say, "O unbelieving generation, when are you going to finally understand? When are you finally going to believe?" We are surrounded with God's word, it's being preached in our pulpits, over the airwaves, and at us in our daily email devotionals, but do we believe it? In all fairness it is a frightening thing, the prospect of really believing God's word, or really trusting Him. And it's not about us having to do anything that is really crazy, or risky, but just trusting Him with our daily battles. It's sad to think that Christians in America are just as likely to get divorced, struggle just as much as everyone else financially, and are just as unhappy with their lives as people who don't believe in God at all. But I know that taking a step to trust God, to begin to pray with the expectation that He will answer and do amazing things in our lives, won't be easy. Too often we end up like the disciples who watched helplessly as a demon-possessed boy fell to the ground and foamed at the mouth. We end up overwhelmed by our circumstances and unable to see how God can change things. Because I'm not particularly extraordinary, I'm just an average Christian; I have to realize that the same thing applies to me that applies to everyone else. I have to allow God to change me. I need to ask Him to open my eyes so that I can see beyond what's happening to me and finally see what's possible with God. I must let Him put my faith to the test so that He can remove my doubts. And even though that will be hard, the reward is that I will finally begin to truly have faith in God. About the Author Get two chapters from Rob Marshall's book, "Taking On Goliath - How To Unleash The David In All Of Us" when you sign up for his free weekly Faith-Full Life Newsletter. Visit: http://www.takingongoliath.com/
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Helping Your Children Grow
As the mother of a 21 month old, I am reminded that it is never to early to set an example for my son. Just praying that I am raising him to be a God-fearing Christian man is not enough.
Helping Your Children Grow in a Sinful World by Eric Engel
So your kids are getting older and you're worried about how to deal with the world outside your door. When you open it, you're flooded with a multitude of temptations...all inviting your children to join the new order of instant gratification. The seduction is hard enough for adults to deal with, so how can the underdeveloped Christian mind ever hope to resist. Especially when the don't understand the serious harm some of these things can do.
It Starts with Example
Needless to say, it all starts with example. Johnny might not buy into Mom and Dad's strict life policies, but he'll at least always remember it. It'll gnaw at the back of his conscience and continue to urge him towards holiness throughout his life.
And it works the other way too. A bad example from parents will always be an excuse for poor behavior from young adults. Think of how many times you've thought to yourself, "My dad used to do it...it can't be that bad."
But it Doesn't End There
Parenthood calls for more than example. After all, many selfless parents have raised selfish (spoiled) brats. There has to be more. There has to be some intervention. But how much? Do we keep them in a bubble until they're eighteen? Or do we allow them to experience and learn from the world?
This subject is much too large for one article. But there's an important aspect to parenthood that was probably not passed on from our own parents...because when they were parents, it wasn't as big an issue.
The fact is, we're no longer living in a Christian world...and we have to adjust our approach to life. We can no longer rely on any sort of rating system from the entertainment world. We can't trust that our schools (even the Catholic ones) are going to provide a Christian education.
This means that you'll have to pay more attention and teach your kids what it means to be Christian. You have to make them realize that they are different. They have to feel separated from the rest of the world. At first, this could mean something as simple as teaching them not to pay attention to the Jones's. But eventually, they need to know their unique position. They are children of God...and that carry's responsibility.
Telling them once isn't a cure-all. There has to be a continuing reminder that our duty to God comes first. And of course, it'll only work with prayer and example.
Helping Your Children Grow in a Sinful World by Eric Engel
So your kids are getting older and you're worried about how to deal with the world outside your door. When you open it, you're flooded with a multitude of temptations...all inviting your children to join the new order of instant gratification. The seduction is hard enough for adults to deal with, so how can the underdeveloped Christian mind ever hope to resist. Especially when the don't understand the serious harm some of these things can do.
It Starts with Example
Needless to say, it all starts with example. Johnny might not buy into Mom and Dad's strict life policies, but he'll at least always remember it. It'll gnaw at the back of his conscience and continue to urge him towards holiness throughout his life.
And it works the other way too. A bad example from parents will always be an excuse for poor behavior from young adults. Think of how many times you've thought to yourself, "My dad used to do it...it can't be that bad."
But it Doesn't End There
Parenthood calls for more than example. After all, many selfless parents have raised selfish (spoiled) brats. There has to be more. There has to be some intervention. But how much? Do we keep them in a bubble until they're eighteen? Or do we allow them to experience and learn from the world?
This subject is much too large for one article. But there's an important aspect to parenthood that was probably not passed on from our own parents...because when they were parents, it wasn't as big an issue.
The fact is, we're no longer living in a Christian world...and we have to adjust our approach to life. We can no longer rely on any sort of rating system from the entertainment world. We can't trust that our schools (even the Catholic ones) are going to provide a Christian education.
This means that you'll have to pay more attention and teach your kids what it means to be Christian. You have to make them realize that they are different. They have to feel separated from the rest of the world. At first, this could mean something as simple as teaching them not to pay attention to the Jones's. But eventually, they need to know their unique position. They are children of God...and that carry's responsibility.
Telling them once isn't a cure-all. There has to be a continuing reminder that our duty to God comes first. And of course, it'll only work with prayer and example.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Inspiration
Below is an article that inspires me. It is my desire to be the kind of mom she is talking about.
Mom's Joy by Demetria Zinga
"Mom, what am I going to do?" I moaned as I shared with my mother my woes of the hour. I was working a full time job and my heart was aching to be home with my daughter instead. This was a pretty difficult decision for me, especially since my job was providing a source of financial security for me and my family. Without it, we would definitely be in a rut to make ends meet. Very calmly she replied "Did you seek the Lord about it?" "Yes!" I cried, "and, well…I'm just not sure that He'd have me leave my family in a financial rut just so I could stay home with my daughter. What do you think?" The smile in her voice when she spoke eased my mind, and I knew immediately what I should do. Months later I had quit my job and was home with my daughter, raising her and being there to see her most precious moments and milestones. The Lord had protected our financial well being and had blessed my husband with a raise at his job. But before long, I was calling Mom again. "Mom?" I began slowly. Mom waited. "Well…" I hesitated, "I love being in school right now and everything, but…" and there I continued my woes of the hour as Mom patiently and attentively listened to every word I spoke. And once again, she not only listened, but spoke words of truth to me that I knew only God could have given her to share with me for that very moment.I have never seen her falter. In the face of adversity and moments of desperation, I have seen her call out to our Heavenly Father, and with such faith and trust in Him that it literally moves me. In the midst of her troubled situations I have observed the peace of God which resides upon her life and the joy of the Lord that radiantly shines from within.Oh, and although joy is something each individual has to receive on her own, I believe my Mother's joy is contagious, because I feel quite joyful around her!"The joy of the Lord is your strength" the psalmist David says. And it's true. Mom is a strong and determined virtuous woman who would go the extra mile just to have the assurance that our Savior is pleased with her. Because Mom never gives up on God, she is always joyful. And the joy of the Lord will cause one to smile even if she feels unhappy. So, although I've done my share of crying, when I go to visit Mom and tell her all about my woes of the hour, I can't help but to leave with a bright smile on my face. She leaves with me a kindled fire within my soul and continually reveals to me with her quiet smile and patient words how I can attain the same joy. As a treasure of jewels found in the desert sand, is the joy of the Lord I have found in my mother. My prayer is that I will reflect her image of extreme joy in Christ, now and in the years to come.-- Demetria Zinga is the founder and owner of www.faith-media.com, a technology and consulting firm which specializes in web design and hosting, graphics and print designs, internet marketing, and e-training. She is also the founder of www.christianladies.net, an interactive ezine, blog, and podcast for Christian women.
About the Author
Demetria Zinga is the founder and owner of www.faith-media.com, a technology and consulting firm which specializes in web design and hosting, graphics and print designs, internet marketing, and e-training. She is also the founder of www.christianladies.net, an interactive ezine, blog, and podcast for Christian women.
Mom's Joy by Demetria Zinga
"Mom, what am I going to do?" I moaned as I shared with my mother my woes of the hour. I was working a full time job and my heart was aching to be home with my daughter instead. This was a pretty difficult decision for me, especially since my job was providing a source of financial security for me and my family. Without it, we would definitely be in a rut to make ends meet. Very calmly she replied "Did you seek the Lord about it?" "Yes!" I cried, "and, well…I'm just not sure that He'd have me leave my family in a financial rut just so I could stay home with my daughter. What do you think?" The smile in her voice when she spoke eased my mind, and I knew immediately what I should do. Months later I had quit my job and was home with my daughter, raising her and being there to see her most precious moments and milestones. The Lord had protected our financial well being and had blessed my husband with a raise at his job. But before long, I was calling Mom again. "Mom?" I began slowly. Mom waited. "Well…" I hesitated, "I love being in school right now and everything, but…" and there I continued my woes of the hour as Mom patiently and attentively listened to every word I spoke. And once again, she not only listened, but spoke words of truth to me that I knew only God could have given her to share with me for that very moment.I have never seen her falter. In the face of adversity and moments of desperation, I have seen her call out to our Heavenly Father, and with such faith and trust in Him that it literally moves me. In the midst of her troubled situations I have observed the peace of God which resides upon her life and the joy of the Lord that radiantly shines from within.Oh, and although joy is something each individual has to receive on her own, I believe my Mother's joy is contagious, because I feel quite joyful around her!"The joy of the Lord is your strength" the psalmist David says. And it's true. Mom is a strong and determined virtuous woman who would go the extra mile just to have the assurance that our Savior is pleased with her. Because Mom never gives up on God, she is always joyful. And the joy of the Lord will cause one to smile even if she feels unhappy. So, although I've done my share of crying, when I go to visit Mom and tell her all about my woes of the hour, I can't help but to leave with a bright smile on my face. She leaves with me a kindled fire within my soul and continually reveals to me with her quiet smile and patient words how I can attain the same joy. As a treasure of jewels found in the desert sand, is the joy of the Lord I have found in my mother. My prayer is that I will reflect her image of extreme joy in Christ, now and in the years to come.-- Demetria Zinga is the founder and owner of www.faith-media.com, a technology and consulting firm which specializes in web design and hosting, graphics and print designs, internet marketing, and e-training. She is also the founder of www.christianladies.net, an interactive ezine, blog, and podcast for Christian women.
About the Author
Demetria Zinga is the founder and owner of www.faith-media.com, a technology and consulting firm which specializes in web design and hosting, graphics and print designs, internet marketing, and e-training. She is also the founder of www.christianladies.net, an interactive ezine, blog, and podcast for Christian women.
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