Mothers. Many of us have had complicated relationships with our mothers. We hoped for ‘June Cleaver’ but maybe it was more like ‘Peg Bundy’ or even ‘Joan Crawford.’ Of course, as I learned pretty quickly after the birth of my first child, mothers are just humans. Moms are faced with all the daily nonsense the world throws at all of us but are expected to nurture their families and guide their children into adulthood with grace and wisdom. It just doesn’t always happen that way.

For me, part of the problem was that I did not grow up in a Christian household and had no role models for Christian motherhood. If you did, trust me, you had a wonderful blessing. Christian motherhood is truly the ideal. And I am very grateful that Lord Almighty gave us a full chapter in Proverbs to show us what a godly wife and mother looks like. It has been a guide for me and will bless anyone who reads it and lives by it. I’ve picked a more modern translation so that the meaning might sound more relevant to today’s moms.

Proverbs 31:10-31 (The Message)

A good woman is hard to find,
    and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
    and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
    all her life long.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
    and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
    and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast
    for her family and organizing her day.

She looks over a field and buys it,
    then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
    rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
    is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
    diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
    reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
    their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

She makes her own clothing,
    and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
    when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
    brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
    and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
    and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
    and keeps them all busy and productive.

Her children respect and bless her;
    her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things,
    but you’ve outclassed them all!”

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
    The woman to be admired and praised
    is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

Give her everything she deserves!
    Adorn her life with praises!

I have met many Proverbs 31 women in the all the churches I’ve attended, as well as in many workplaces. I thank you all, because over several decades you became like a mother to me, modelling behaviors and instructing me lovingly on SO many topics. I pray that I can continue that legacy. If I bless anyone in even a fraction of the way I’ve been blessed by these impressive women, I would be deeply honored. And this goes for the younger Moms as well. I am humbled at the excellent job they are doing with their families, even as I recognize the weariness I sometimes see in their eyes.

Mothers mold the future. Their diligence, kindness and compassion set the course for future generations. They are the first Bibles for their children and have the honor of introducing them to our Friend, Jesus, and his teachings. It’s a responsibility and a blessing. Adorn them with praises!

A daughter of God,

Jen