Mothers.

I don’t know if there is a more loving, self-sacrificing species.  Mothers are the most under-appreciated people on the planet.  God has given me some incredible examples of mothers…my parents’ mothers, for example. 

Meet Nana.  Nana is my mom’s mom.  The love she has for Papa Earl is the most precious thing in the world.  And she likes things the way she likes things.  A day she doesn’t vacuum and dust her entire house is a day she is lazy.  At 79 years old, she is taking no medication and when my little brother can’t mow her lawn on a day that she wants it to be mowed, she does it.  My nearly 80-year-old grandmother uses a push mower.  Needless to day, I want to be her. 

A few years ago her doctor told her she might need to take medication for her high cholesterol, unless she lost about 20 pounds.  Taking matters into her own hands, she started walking over a mile a day and stopped eating fried foods and more vegetables.  Within a few weeks, she looked like a different person.  She is probably one of the most self-motivated people I know. 

Meet Magran.  Magran is my dad’s mom.  My dad and aunt have seen Magran not eat so that they could.  Her primary concern always has been in the care of her family.  And Carolina basketball.  She’s hilarious, talks incessantly, tells the same stories over and over again, fusses at Papa all day long, and bends over backwards for us every day.  I am so blessed to have lived in the same house as this woman (other than this year, of course) since the seventh grade.

My grandmas, other than being the best cooks Iron Chef will never see, made two of the strongest, most sacrificial, hard-working people I will ever know—my parents.  They are the biggest, most lasting blessing I have.  I am so indebted to those two people; God has given me so much in them.  They were my first love. 

I’ll save the rant about my dad for another post…

Mommie.  We’ve always spelled that precious word that way.  My preschool teachers used to correct me when I would make things for my mom and would spell her name that way. 

They needed my help, they obviously didn’t

 know which mother I was giving it to…it

wasn’t just any ole mama, it was for mine.

I’ve always been a mama’s girl.  I swear, I think I came out of the womb wearing an “I heart my mom” shirt.  I’ve always been attached to her and needed her.  I think it’s because I’ve always wanted to be a mother, which has got to be a huge part of the reason why I’m an Elementary Ed major.  I cannot get enough of kids and that motherly kind of love. 

Motherly love should be it’s own noun.  It’s just different.  My mom always says that she’d die for my dad but she’d kill for her kids. 

She used to work in the state criminal justice system…be intimidated, my mom’s a BA. 

She is hands down the strongest person I know.  Growing up wasn’t a walk in the park for her or her parents, and her older brother had a lot to do with that.  She works her butt off with everything she does and she and my dad are the most sacrificial, wisest people I know. 

She has always been my biggest fan and my best friend.  I hope I love my kids half as well as she loves my siblings and me.  I have laughed and cried with that woman more than anyone else in my life.  Dance competitions, recitals, rehearsals, travels, appearances, errands, chores…she’s taught me to be appreciate every opportunity, every moment; to be Christ wherever He puts me.  She’s always been on my about being salt—I have Jesus.  Not everyone does.  I am responsible and held accountable for every moment. 

Other than teaching me to give myself some slack every once in a while, to BE PATIENT, to trust Christ with everything, to hand out grace like candy…she’s taught me, by example, how to love.  How to love your kids, how to love your parents, how to love your husband, how to love your friends, and how to love people that are REALLY hard to love. 

A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies… She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks…

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.

-Psalm 31:10, 17, 20-21, 25-26

None better. 

Christ’s faithfulness to me is so undeniably evident in Mommie.  I truly have the best. 

Love on your mama…she needs it.