Throwback Thursday – Lessons Learned – From My Mother

Mother’s Day is a coming! I was so blessed to have a great mama.

Proverbs 31:17 states that the noble wife

“sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.”

One of the things I have always admired about my mother is her work ethic. She worked in a factory as a machine operator for 25 years. Every workday she would work her shift, come home to work a couple of hours in the tobacco patch, then she would cook a large garden supper, clean the kitchen, and finish her day around 11:00 p.m. with the laundry. She consistently executed her daily work.

I believe God expects us to be productive. Many of the scriptures in the book of Proverbs warns us against laziness and slothfulness. We are each created to do great things for God, but ladies, we should also take care of our families and our homes. It is easy for us to get caught up in our careers and special interests so as wives and mothers, we must remember that our first and main ministry is to our family; this brings honor to God.

My mother has always kept a nicely decorated and clean home. She also always tries to look her best when she goes out.

Proverbs 31:22 says that the noble wife

“makes coverings for her bed and she is clothed in fine linen and purple.”

The virtuous woman cares about how she and her home looks within a proper and healthy perspective of God’s grace. As a married woman, I think there is wisdom in caring about how I look for my husband. Even though I work most days at home, I do try to look good for my husband when he arrives home and greet him with a kiss. It is important to me that my husband finds me attractive because it is like a guard against the world’s temptations.

Proverbs 31:26 states that the Noble woman

“speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”

I attribute much of my disposition to my mother. She was always talking to me in how I should and should not act when I was young. For instance, If a family member got mad at another and held a grudge, she would sit me down, explain what had happened and why we as Christians were not to act that way. If someone was ugly to me she would encourage me to respond humbly. As children we may classify this type of conversation as a lecture, but I never felt that way. I clearly understood that I was being instructed with godly wisdom and faithful counsel. I wish I could say that I have consistently and perfectly followed my mother’s instructions. Even though I have failed at times, I can say that I have never been one to hold a grudge, and I accredit much of that to my mother’s influence.

I am thankful for my mother’s counsel and have tried to give the same thing to my daughters. I encourage you to take some time today and recall some of the words of wisdom that have been passed down to you from your mother.

What words of wisdom have you received from your mama? I would love to hear them.

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Author Gina Duke is a wife, mother and Director of Women’s Ministry at her local church. With a B.S. in Organizational Leadership, she is able to bring a clear word for authentic Christian living. Through her book, “Organizing Your Prayer Closet: A New and Life-Changing Way to Pray” (Abingdon Press), she imparts 1 Peter 4:7 with the gift of structured prayer journaling. Ms. Duke also blogs and offers numerous videos and resources at GinaDuke.com. You may also follow her on Twitter and Instagram @TheGinaDuke.

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