A Virtuous Woman

Being a mother and being a mommy are two different things to me. I believe that any female that can conceive can be a mother. It takes a little more effort and hard work to be a mommy though. I have a mother and I have a mom 2 separate women. I was born into a family and had a mother and father that did the best they could with what they knew. When I was young I was told by my mother to go and find other parents, so that began my quest to find a mommy and daddy. I am 21 years old and I have finally been blessed with a mom and dad. Although they are both amazing people, I will only speak of my mom for now.

My mom is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my entire life. One of her most loved physical feature about her is her hair. She began at an early age to develop gray hair. Most people joke and say that it’s wisdom not knowing that that’s exactly what I believe it is. When she speaks her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions. (Proverbs 31:26) One thing I have noticed about my mom is that when she instructs us to do something, of course like any parent she expects us to do it, but she does leave the door open for us to make our own decisions reminding us there are consequences to our actions. I do not fear my mom she doesn’t make me fear her, she simply reminds me that it’s all about God and that I should be more concerned of His response if I do not obey. She is a woman full of wisdom that constantly sends a reminder of who gives her the wisdom.

Most people say that you can see a person’s soul through their eyes. Whether this be true or not, when I look into those beautiful brown eyes I see love. I see peace, gentleness and grace. I see all that the bible says our heavenly Father is. When I look into her eyes I can’t help but smile as I feel I am looking into God’s heart. A place where I escape and feel as though I am a little child sitting in my Father’s arms. When you can look into one’s eyes and feel you are looking at God’s pure heart, it’s a priceless incomparable feeling. Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies. (Proverbs 31:10)

In our household we are full of laughs and joy that can only come from one place. My mom always tells me that her mom used to always tell her, “You wake up every morning with the choice of how you feel so why not be happy.” Grant it, that is not exactly how it goes, but it’s pretty close. My mom is one of those people that love to make other people happy. Whether she does it by giving an encouraging word or by tickling or just a gentle embrace, she’ll do what it takes to bring a smile. Her smile to me is breath taking. Her smile lights up the world and brings a new hope. I have come to believe that her internal light shines from the inside out. So my mom always has this extra glow about her, but when she smiles the light finds the opening through her laughter and smiles and escapes to illuminate the darkest places. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

I recently read a book called The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. My mom gave me this book to encourage me in my marriage, yet I got so much more from it. Along with learning how to better my marriage so to speak, I also learned things that a wife and a mother has to do and how they may feel at times. It blew me away as I never really thought of everything they have to do and how much they take on. My mom has been with my dad 23 years on April 11th 2009. She is always showing love to my dad, whether it is outwardly showing affection through a hug or goodbye kiss, to making sure he has hot meals, or just encouraging him in his everyday duties and walk with God. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She will not hinder him but help him all her life. (Proverbs 31:11-12) My mom is not only a mom to me but to 3 of us. Although we are ‘practically grown’ she still continues to care for us and guide us when we need help. When I first moved back home, my husband and I only had a mattress to sleep on. She was not pleased with this and wanted to make us comfortable, and with hardwood floors, well things tend to get cold even in Texas. My mom wanted to bless us and so one day her and my dad went out and came back with a new mattress and box spring for us so that we would no longer have to sleep ‘on the floor’. I still do not understand how ‘hard’ it was for her but I know that she had to rise above and do something that was difficult for her, and I am forever thankful. She is always showing us love in so many ways and I am so blessed to have that in my life.

One of my mom’s greatest passions, other than serving God, is sewing. This woman blows my mind away with the stuff that she makes. Whether she’s crocheting or sewing or just doing a ‘simple craft’, she does it in love. I was watching her the other day make a tote bag in her sewing room. I just stood there and watched in awe, I had seen people sew and such before but not like this. I began to tell my mom that I think she is awesome in what she does, she just chuckled and asked why other people do the same thing you know. I was left speechless I knew what I wanted to say but just for some reason was left silenced. I looked at the wall behind my mom where she was sewing and was reminded that her business is called Sew N Love. That’s what makes my mom so different from the other people that do the same thing. With each new stitch you see love being sewn and the passion being poured into her work. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. (Proverbs 31:19)

One of my favorite things to hear my mom do is sing. Oh my word, talk about soothing the soul and bringing a peace. I may be a little biased but to hear her sing is like listening to an angel sent straight from heaven. Watching her sing I see the passion she has for God. The love just overflows and nothing can keep her from singing. It brings tears to my eyes as a joy floods my soul and before I know it I begin singing a new chorus from within. My mom speaks of God a lot. How His mercy and grace are renewed each day. His abundance of love and forgiveness that surpasses all understanding. She is not a woman to just speak of what she has read in some book, she is a woman that speaks and lives what she believes. Times get tough she doesn’t live in a fairy tale, but she always runs to the one that can make it all right again. He restores her strength and gives her peace that leaves her with more to add to her testimony. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future. (Proverbs 31:25)

I have a few heroes in my life for different reasons. There is one that is my hero and I truly pray that I become at least half of the woman she has become. My mom, a true virtuous woman and my hero. There is so much to say about my mom, all of it will ultimately will lead back to God, for it is Him who has made her who she is. There’s not enough trees or enough time in this life to sit here and tell you all the wonderful things God has instilled in my mom, but I can assure you that everyone that crosses her path is blessed and left wanting more of what she has. Her beauty begins from the inside and works vibrantly to the outside. A woman full of love and compassion with a child like heart. My mom is written of in the bible although her name is never mentioned. You can find her story in Proverbs 31, for my mom is a virtuous woman after God’s own heart. 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. (Proverbs 31:28-31)