In 1997 my family lost our biggest jewel. My grandmother, Mary Louise Rice Clayton, went to heaven to spend eternity worshiping at the feet our Savior and to lay her many crowns at His feet. To lose such a lady as her on a day like Mother's Day was a very bittersweet feeling. The older I get, the more I am convinced that it was a testimony of her life and one of those things that God used in our lives for those of us who were left behind to be able to remember how special she was and what a lasting legacy she was able to leave for generations to come. It was hard for my mother for many, many years and it still is very hard for her to get her spirit into celebrating Mother's Day. My grandmother suffered with several different ailments and illnesses in the years before she finally breathed her last breath that Mother's Day. As a teenager who loved and adored my grandmother more than words could ever say, it was hard to understand and watch such a vibrant, God-filled woman suffer so. Even when her mind became so bad that some days she couldn't remember those closest to her and she would begin to hallucinate, she could still quote scripture like nobody's business. She died at the very young age of 70. And of all the years she suffered, and of all the days that God could have chosen to bring her home--- 365 in one year..... He chose Mother's Day. I find that to be a true honor and a good way to remember her being called home.
After her passing, Proverbs 31 became her life verse. I love reading those verses, because it not only describes just what kind of person my grandmother was, but it describes the kind of woman I hope to become. God's still working on me.
So, happy Mother's Day to my mother, even though this day is so hard on her. But sometimes we have to remember the legacy she left behind and the hundreds of people my grandmother touched through her's and my grandfather's ministry. (Or should I say, the hundreds of people God touched using them as His instruments.) My mom, too, will leave a legacy behind for her grandchildren and their children. She has made many sacrifices for not only my brothers and me as we grew up, but she continues to do the exact same for my children. For that I will never be able to show enough thanks.
Happy Mother's Day to all you mother's out there.
This is the lady I am striving to be. I'm still a work in progress. We miss you, Grandmomma, every day:
Proverbs 31:10-31
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 night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
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 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:10-31
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 [a]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 night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
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 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
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