A Godly Heritage

   The first time my future husband drove me to Maine to meet his family was, of course, daunting for me.  This was the big test.  Would I pass? What would they be like? Would they like me? Could I be myself around them? 
   As we crossed the Maine border my heart sank as my boyfriend announced, "I know that most people don't really believe that the 'Proverbs 31 Woman' really exists, but I do.  And I think that my mom is one!"
    I wanted to die right there.  Have you read Proverbs 31?  "Oh great," I thought,  "What do I do now?  It's too late to turn around."  My only hope was to fling myself from the moving vehicle, and hitchhike home.
    What in the world was I thinking going to meet his father, "The Baptist Pastor", and his mother, "The Proverbs 31 Woman?"  They were not going to like me!  Talk about an insecure moment!  Did I mention wanting to jump out of the moving vehicle?
    Then I was reminded, "Hey, wait a minute. This guy asked me out."  If his parents didn't like me, it was his problem, right?
    Phil's parents met me, and (totally by God's grace) approved of me, and so began treasured relationships with two amazing and godly people who quickly became parents to me.  The best part of all was that they completely loved me in spite of myself.  We didn't always agree, and frankly, Mom and I still don't always agree, but we love each other dearly.
    We lost Phil's dad last year to a brain tumor, and it was a very devastating time for us.  He was a good man who loved the Lord with all his heart, and desired to serve Him faithfully with his life.  He has left a godly heritage to our family that we treasure deeply.
     Phil's mom has a genetic mutation that causes her to be prone to various forms of cancer.  She has battled breast cancer twice, and stage four ovarian cancer that has now metastasized to her brain.  As a result of the later, she has had brain surgery twice this year.
    The thing that amazes me about Mom is that she never stops growing.  She always wants to grow in her walk with Christ.  That is an example I value tremendously.  She has become a mentor to me in life, and her life challenges my own.  I have come to realize that, not only is she a "Proverbs 31 Woman", but God has asked me to be that woman too.  And that is what He wants for you also.
    God has called Mom to new facets of ministry since Dad's death.  She has always loved teaching women, and that ministry is expanding.  She feels God leading her to minister to women in a variety of ways, including speaking and writing.  What a blessing to see her used in the lives of so many! 
    Is Mom perfect, no?  But does she strive for greater devotion to the Lord, absolutely! She is always moving ahead in the process of growth.  Next month she hopes to begin her Masters!  Phil and I could not be prouder.  She has such a heart for the Lord, and for the things of God.  She feels that continuing her education will better equip her for the things He is calling her to do.
   It is a wonderful thing to have a mother-in-law who is a mentor, friend, and most of all a mom.  I thank the Lord for her every day.  He has certainly given me plenty of opportunities to remember not to take her for granted.  And, by the way, the great thing about a true "Proverbs 31 Woman" is that there is absolutely no way for insecurity to last around them for long.  Thank you, Jesus!

Proverbs 31 (NLT):

10  A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
\she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

   If you would be interested in Mom ministering to your Ladies Group, please don't hesitate to contact me!  It will be a blessing!