My mother passed away earlier this year. She was 86 years old, and if I could sum up her life in one sentence, it would be, “She loved the Lord.” Her legacy lives on in me because she taught me to love Christ and to be diligent and disciplined in studying the Scriptures. I remember multiple instances where she modeled Jesus so well that it was breathtaking.
She was not perfect, but she was committed to loving the Lord more every day of her life. I do not take for granted how blessed I am to have had such a wonderful, kind, and caring mother. Her life taught me many things, both in practice and by example. Allow me to share a few lessons from my mother with you.
Make Jesus the first focus of your day. No one ever beat my mother out of bed. The first hours of her day were always spent in prayer and in front of an open Bible. With her omnipresent dogs cuddled against her, she pored over scripture and cried out to God. It didn’t matter how late she got to bed or what activities the day held; my mother always rose early and spent time with her precious Savior. Of all the lessons from my mother, this discipline and commitment left the greatest impact on me.
Memorize God’s Word. My mother would be the first to tell you memorization was not her strong suit. Yet, besides a significant number of verses, she could also recite the entirety of Psalm 119—the longest chapter in the Bible—from memory. She didn’t just memorize Bible verses; she let them saturate her soul, and all that wisdom and knowledge was reflected in the way she lived. Her life oozed scripture because she was faithful in hiding it in her heart. (Psalm 119:11)
Be slow to speak. (James 1:19) My mother was the best listener I have ever known. She didn’t have to share an interest in what you were telling her to be engaged and excited about what you were saying. Listening is a lost art in today’s world. We’re all so eager to speak about ourselves that it’s a rare moment when we pause long enough to hear someone else. Often, the most loving thing we can do is to still our tongue and let someone else speak.
Exercise compassion. When I was hurting, she hurt more. True compassion is not just seeing the needs around you but doing something about them. (1 John 3:17–18) My mom was never too busy to put her agenda aside to lend an ear or a hand to someone in need. Jesus cared so much for our condition that He allowed Himself to be mocked, tortured, and killed on our behalf. (Isaiah 53:5) No sacrifice was too great for those He loved. (John 15:13) My mother was like that, and we should be too.
Be a prayer warrior. I know of many instances where my mother prayed for the same person or circumstance for years. Long after the initial emotion had passed, Mom was still on her knees entreating the Lord to intervene in the situation and to call people to Himself. It’s easy to tell someone that you will pray for them, but my mother always did. It was never just something she would say but always something she would do.
One day it will be our turn to leave this world behind. What impact are we making on the lives of those we love that will outlive us? Learn from what my mother taught me, and it will serve you well. Start each day immersing yourself in prayer and studying God’s Word. Memorize scripture, and life will never overwhelm you, nor will you ever lack the wisdom needed to navigate this life.
Be slow to speak, eager to listen, and always generous in helping others in need. (Galatians 6:9–10) Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Keep your word and intercede in prayer on behalf of others. Above all, follow the greatest commandment of all: love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:28-30) These lessons from my mother are so valuable because she loved the Lord and learned each lesson from His Word. Love the Lord and leave a legacy of teaching others to love Him too. (Deuteronomy 6:5–7)