Hey Mom… Happy Mother’s Day
It’s the Friday before Mother’s Day, and I find myself reflecting on my Mom—Edna Jean Webb.
She’s been gone for over 17 years now, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss her. Yet, every time I think of her, I smile.
Mother’s Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. The reason? My Mom.
Let me tell you a little about her.
Mother. Grandmother. Great-Grandmother. Seamstress. Nurse. Caretaker. Cook.
I remember how her eyes would sparkle when she smiled.
She was hardworking. She was longsuffering. She loved to talk. She loved to laugh. She was as sweet as they come—but had just enough edge to keep things interesting. She could be a little onery, and we loved that about her.
Funny thing is, I don’t really remember if she was strict or laid-back. I don’t remember specific activities we did together. I don’t remember particular habits, traditions, or values she passed on to me.
But here’s what I do know—beyond a shadow of a doubt:
She loved me.
From the moment I was born until the very last breath she took—she loved me. And honestly, what more could any child ask for?
I know loving me wasn’t always easy. She was in her mid-40s when I was born. She had already raised three daughters, had three grandchildren, and another on the way.
I remember she struggled with depression when I was little. I remember seeing her cry, and in my child’s mind, I wondered if I had caused her pain.
I remember the grief when she lost a grandchild at birth. I remember the worry in her voice when she talked on the phone with a daughter in distress. I remember the fear in her eyes when my dad suffered a ruptured ulcer in the middle of the night.
I remember how she loved Becky when I brought her home. And I’ll never forget the night we brought Lindsey home as a newborn, exhausted because she wouldn’t settle down. Mom sent Becky and me to bed. Later, I found them both in the rocking chair—Lindsey fast asleep in her grandmother’s arms, and Mom… just sitting there, smiling.
I remember the first time I read Proverbs 31:10-31.
I was convinced it had been written about her.
Mothers - Strength and Dignity Proverbs 31
“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.
Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”
Mothers - Children rise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31
She was capable and trustworthy.
She worked hard.
She could make anything—especially clothes.
She carried herself with strength and dignity, wrapped in kindness.
She loved to laugh.
She was wise, and her words always came with care.
She took care of everyone and everything.
Her husband, her children, her grandchildren—all praised her.
She was charming.
She was beautiful.
She loved God. And she was grateful for Jesus.
She was, and still is, worthy of praise.
I was so blessed to have her as my Mom. I’ve loved her with all my heart and I will… for all of my days.
So, as Mother’s Day approaches—cherish your mom. Celebrate her. Honor her. Love her—today and every day.
And as for you, Mom… Happy Mother’s Day. I love you.
#xp2win
#ChasingBetter
