When I was little, I did not understand my mother. She was forever sacrificing, putting herself last, neglecting her needs, and would pour out tearful prayers. Yet, she is the most giving person I know. Her voice always makes me feel safe when I am lonely, confused, hurt, or angry. Her down home Mississippi cooking has always been a neighborhood attraction and if she asks “Are you hungry, Baby?” you instantly become family. Children are always at her house anxious to be mothered and ushered off to church on Sunday mornings. She is the first person people call when they need help but the last person others help. Mom is the one who always has positive words to say (right after she softly gives constructive criticism) even if her heart is breaking unbeknownst to others. She never tells anyone when she is sick but takes care of others no matter what she is going through. She is the strongest person I know and the one who has shown me what life is really about.

I had no clue where the source of her strength came from or her motivation for doing the things she does they way she does them. She wants the best for her family and will sacrifice everything in order for her children to have a better life than she did growing up. But, she never talks about her childhood. Even though all her children are grown, she still tries to protect us from that pain. What my mom does not realize is that she has taught us how to attack the hurtful things in life in a dignified, humble manner. There were times when people would do or say things to my preacher’s wife mother that were rude, mean, or disrespectful. But, her response was never unladylike or less than Christian. She would flash her beautiful smile with a “Pardon me,” sashe to her seat with her head held high, and turn her Bible to Psalm 23. She does not know that witnessing her go through trials as she quoted verses, hearing her cry out to God at night, and tears of joy as she prayed has enabled me to endure the valleys in my life in a way that gives God glory.

So on this Mother’s Day, I am remembering the lessons my mother has taught me such as how to love others properly, the meaning of faithfulness, the joy of sacrifice, and that dreams deferred do not always have to be fulfilled by the dreamer. She is classy, sophisticated, smart, quiet yet bold, and a daughter of the King. She exemplifies biblical femininity in almost everything she does. Thank you, Mom, for always being there for me. Thanks to you, today, I understand the true meaning behind “The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). I love you with all my heart! Happy Mother’s Day.