Other Mothers (and a girlfriends giveaway!)
Published May 3, 2010I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by whether you’ve made your way here as a regular cyber-friend or by clicking over from the Proverbs 31 Encouragement for Today devotion I have running.
If you haven’t read it yet today’s post won’t make sense, so click here to do so. Be sure to come back for our give-away!
Today, in honor of the “Other Mothers” in our life, we are offering the following girlfriends giveaway:
It includes:
- A copy of the newly released book by Brenda Poinsett entitled The Friendship Factor; Why Women Need Other Women
- A bottle of Bath & Bodyworks lotion in one of my favorite fruity scents: Pearberry
- A $10 Starbucks gift card so you can take another woman out for coffee; perhaps someone who is an “other mother” to you or a woman to whom you can be a mentor.
- A sweet notecard from www.frameofmidonline.com that reads: “Some people come into our lives, leave footprints and we are never the same.” Send it to someone who needs to hear that from you this week.
Okay— nothing else profound from me today. It is YOUR turn to write!
Tell us about your other mother; or about someone you are mentoring in your life. Or simply leave a comment saying “I’m in!”
Winner will be announced Wednesday morning!
Mother’s Day Week Blessings,
158 Responses to Other Mothers (and a girlfriends giveaway!)
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My Home Church
My other mother is lovely woman named Ruth Thompson. I have had several other mother’s, but Ruth is the most recent. This lady has been through so much for a person with so much love in her heart. She was one of the first people I met at our new church and I fell in love with her immediately. Sometimes it’s just enough for me to get a big bear hug from her.
This past weekend, our women’s ministries team put on a Mother/Daughter Tea. My mother lives a day’s drive from me, so I asked Ruth if she would be my mother for the event – since she didn’t have a “date” she said, “Absolutely. I don’t think I have anything on. I will check and let you know.” She did the very next day and even paid for our tickets.
She arrived at the Mother/Daughter Tea with a beautiful corsage for me – I cried at her simple, thoughtful act of love.
It is an amazing feeling to feel loved. There is no way anyone could not feel loved around this woman. Love emanates from her without any effort at all.
(Would love the basket. Just wondered if the Starbucks card is good in Canada, too. Often cards purchased in the U.S. can only be used in the U.S.)
dear karen, i know what you mean. sometimes parents are too busy to give every child all they need. i had one neighbor who helped me learn to sew, another who finally figured out that i did not want to see any particular child of her 6, any one woud do, i just needed to get out of my house for some peace and relaxation. both woman always welcomed me into their homes without questions unaware of the nurturing they were giving me, which i needed. thank you.
The other mother in my life was my grandmother. She always talked to me about Jesus and tried to point me in the right direction when my parents weren’t living the way they should. I know she prayed for me a lot. She’s in heaven now, but I still thank God when I remember her. I also had some aunts who were there when I needed somewhere to go when I was a lot younger. God places people there when we need them. He’s so faithful.
My other mother is my wonderful Aunt Debry. My mom had to work, so my Aunt Debry was there to listen, encourage, and to support me thru life trials. She never judged me when I messed up thru my life and she always, always had time for me and loved me unconditionally.
My Auntie Mary always made me feel special. I would help her clean her house on Saturdays & then we would go to McDonalds & get a Bigmac & bring it home to drink with a Faygo pop. I miss her. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
Right now I have growing friendship with a young woman who is recently married. I’m so excited to be able to mentor her in her marriage.
In 1999, my husband was transferred to Red Deer, Canada. As I tried to settle in and get to know people, the first place I went looking was the church and a Bible study group. The women’s group there was my ‘other mother’. They were an incredible group of women (including, I believe the Ruth Walker mentioned above – I have goosebumps!) that guided, loved, and encouraged me the five years we were there. And although I became the Bible study leader, they always continued to lead me in the direction of God. What an incredible example they were for me. They will always be in my heart.
I have been blessed to have “other mothers” throughout different times in my life. Right now, God has blessed my husband and I with the friendship of a new couple about to get married.
They are 19 & 20. My husband and I were both 20 when we got married and have been married now for 11 years. We saw a lot of us in them. I just pray that I can be an encouragement to her. She doesn’t have a mom who believes in Jesus.
I just know what a powerful influence and help other ladies in my life have been and I hope that I could just as loving to her.
Thank you!
Arabelle
My “other Mother” was a lady who came into my life soon after we left the city to live on the family farm. I was about 10 years old when we met. We attended the same church and through her ministry to my Sunday school and Acteen classes she taught me about the Lord and to be a leader. I was painfully shy, she was encouraging. When I entered high school she gently taught me to act like a lady. She helped my mother sew all of my prom dresses and oh they we beautiful “back then”. The years have caused us to drift apart but I think of things she did with me and taught me so very often. Her influence helped to shape me into the woman I am today. I thank God for sending her into my life.
I’m in.
My mother is so wonderful. Never complains. Just yesterday she was involved in an accident involving my sister’s dog. Mom decided to take the big Brut for a walk. Well, the dog had bird chasing in mind instead. My mom was determined not to let go of the leash. The dog drug her about 10 feet on the concrete before mom decided maybe it was best to let go of the leash. The fall pushed her dentures through her upper lip. She is in bad shape right now. Doctors say it will take a few months before she’ll be able to get refitted for new dentures and all. She’s a trooper. Looks really bad, but through it all she’s is joking. What a spirited lady.
I’d love to win this basket to share with my mom. Thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
God has blessed me with so many “other mothers” while my mother was healing from the effects of growing up with alcoholic parents. He gave me a precious mother-in-law who prayed me into her family years earlier. And her mother, my grandmother (in law) who would pray for me everyday and call once a month with a Word from the Lord. There were countless women at church who taught me how to be a Godly wife and mother as well. But I want to honor my real mother today. She has given me hope that I can be healed from the effects of this dark world too. She has taken her place in my life once again as a women who is able to love me unconditionally, who prays for me and my family and supports my decisions. God is healing her heart and she is now available to be the mom that I know she wanted to be all along! Our relationship is sweet and God honoring! I am blessed to have a mother who fears the Lord and walks in His ways! My mother is an inspiration to me. I am so proud of her!
My other mother is my Aunt Linda. Such fond memories of family dinners, and having her and Uncle Bob play games with me and my sister–spending extra time with us before they had kids of their own
Love this giveaway idea!
Dear Karen, I have been priviledged w/numerous other mothers in my life. One I think of in particular is Evelyn. She always has time for me and what I am facing. Coffee is her thing and whenever I stop over she’s quick to put a pot on for us to drink and chat and drink and chat. Evelyn has had faith in me when I haven’t had faith in myself…believing in a vision and calling for my life was a God-thing. One day I was really frustrated w/ my two preschoolers and they didn’t deserve that so I called her and asked if I could come jump on her trampoline. She promptly urged me to come over and on top of that she babysat for me while I jumped and prayed and jumped and prayed for the next 45 minutes. Thanks to Evelyn! She reminds exactly of a woman giving birth and nurturing.
I’m In…Love the stories you told. Made me remember the other mothers I had in my life which I had not thought of in a long time. One has gone to be with the Lord but for the other, your story reminded me of some very fond memories and I am going to send her a card this Mother’s day.
My big sister has been like a mother to me . She is easy to talk to and so full of knowledge. I love her.
My mother would be the the person. She was always there for my friend and myself. During high school and beyond everyone called her mom. I remember a friend coming over with a need to talk. I wasn’t home, mom was in the bathroom. She came in, started a conversation and there they sat – mom on the toilet and my friend on a chair….talking and talking some more. I want to be a mentor like that.
I’m in.
Im IN
My other mother is Mrs. Celie. She was a family friend of my husband’s and took me under her wing when I married and we moved to his hometown. Living 2000 miles away from my family, she helped me learn how to be a wife and mommy. She took care of my oldest son more times than I can count and counseled me when I needed a reprieve from mother in law issues. To this day, she still calls and checks on our family, still gives us a place to stay when we go visit and will always hold a special place in my heart.
My Other Mother is Betty Wollam –
she and her husband, Gene, became our “Mom and Pop” at the church we pastored for over 12 years. They encouraged us, prayed with us, offered help when we didn’t even ask for it.
We called them Mom and Pop – our grown daughter considered them part of the family and our grandsons knew them as Mom and Pop Wollam — at every church we’ve pastored God has given us parents and our daughter “grandparents” to love.
We thank God for that!
Count me in to win!
Patricia Grable
patricia.grable@wsdtx.org
My “other mother” died less than a year ago so this will be her family’s first Mother’s Day without her. She was a very well-known, powerful and wealthy woman in her state, and I was a very poor, troubled cast-off in my community…clear across the country. I know the Lord brought us into each others lives because under normal circumstances our paths would never have crossed. While I still had my own mother and our relationship was good yet sometimes strained, this “other mom” and her family educated me, treated me like one of their own, married me off and offered my husband a career. We stayed in limited contact through the years. Last summer the phone rang and when I saw her name on the caller ID my first thought was, “Oh, I haven’t called her in a while, she is probably calling to fuss!” It was her assistant calling to let me know that she had passed. I was struck. She was such a force in my life that it never occurred to me that she would die. At the funeral I approached her husband as he was talking to a group of friends. He saw me coming, turned to his friends and said “If you want to see a picture of my wife, look at this family here.” He was so right. If God had not placed me so strongly on HER heart, my life would be so different. I plan to be an “Other Mother” when God gives me the opportunity!
I would have to say my “other mother” is my mother-in-law Euna. She never had a daughter or even a granddaughter, so from the beginning we’ve been extra close. I dated her son long distance for 4 years out of 5, so in those 4 years since I was 5 hours away from my parents and 10 hours away from the love of my life, she always made me feel welcome and fed me well too. She’s been my mom-in-law 28 years now and all those years I’ve lived 10 hours away from her. Now she helps out some with my 90 year old mom when I can’t be there. I am so blessed that I get to spend one more Mom’s day with this in a few days.
God blessed me with 2 “other Mothers” over the years. Soon after my Husband and I married my Mom became a missionary. Growing up I always had a very close relationship with my Grandmama. Being newly married I needed a lot of advice about cooking and the many other things that went along with being a newlywed. My Grandmama was there for me anytime I had questions. She always took the time to listen and give me wonderful advice from her lifetime of experience.
My Mother-in-law was another “other Mother”. She was the best Mother-in-law I could have dreamed of having. She loved me like I was her daughter. After my Grandmama passed away I turned to Harriet for advice. She was an incredible Mom and Grandmama. Both ladies were examples of Godly Mom’s & Grandmamas. My Grandmama & Mother-in-law have gone home to be the Lord. I miss them both terribly but I know one day we will see each other again. Until then I will strive to live up to their Godly examples.
Mary
My other mother passed away on this past Thanksgiving Day. She was a sweet friend. God is now blessing me with her daughter as a new friend. We were not close before, but are now getting close because of our grieving our losses of her mother. Thank you for the give a way!
Billie was the office manager and my supervisor in 1999, when I was still working in the medical field as an Optometric Assistant. At least, that’s how it all started. I had already accepted Christ as my Saviour, but was not living a life totally surrendered to the Lord. I was drinking, smoking, and partied on the weekends. I knew that what I was doing was wrong, but had drifted so far from the Lord that I needed some guidance to find my way back to Him. I needed to be reminded of my identity in Christ in order to defeat the strongholds that had taken over my life. Billie and I connected soon after we started working together. I know now, she was on a mission and made great efforts to reach out to me. The turning point for me was when Billie invited me to a Christian Concert at one of the local churches (which I now attend). The message that night from Rebecca St. James was “Get Serious with God” and that night I did. I recommitted my life to Christ, repented of my sin, and started seeking God daily. At first it was a struggle. As my convictions grew stronger my flesh and my spirit were at war within me. As time went on I was delivered from alcohol, cigarettes, and all the filth that went along with the weekend parties. All along the way Billie encouraged me, prayed for me, and made me a part of her life. She was a great example, and a real prayer warrior. She was so good about writing me little notes of encouragement. One of which is in my Amplified Bible that she gave me. It is one of my most valued possessions. Though she had her own struggles, she was consistent in her walk with the Lord and never pretended to be perfect. Her honesty and genuiness is something I try to model for the women I now mentor. Billie was not the only “other mother” in my life, but she played a significant role in helping me become the woman I am today.
When I was called into ministry her prayers and support meant so much to me. It was the scariest time in my life, and several times I thought about quitting. Engouraging words and prayers really make a difference for ministry leaders. I am now the Executive Director of a faith based non-profit organization that helps women in crisis. We also have a mentoring program designed to help women become self-sufficient so they can break free from abusive relationships and other unhealthy lifestyle patterns.
Though Billie has never been able to have children of her own, she has been a spiritual mother to many, and I thank God every time I remember her!
I have been blessed with many “other mothers” Each touching my life in a very special way. I thank God for each one.
I’ m in and thanks for the give a way.
My other mother was a dear woman who took me in my senior year of high school after three other families would not. I was a rebellious teenager, so families were hesitant to take me in when my family had to move from the twin cities to Chicago. As a cheeleader, my highschool relationships were my life. It was my last year of Highschool so when my dad changed jobs I refused to go with. I know my parents were in prayer and it was an agonizing decision, but they allowed me to stay in MN. This special woman, Lynnae, had a heart of gold. She saw me for my heart on the inside and not for the rebellious actions on the outside that were screaming for someone to know me. She opened her home and her heart to a girl who would be forever changed by her act of love.
I have been blessed to have a few “other mothers” in my life. My Aunt’s and Grandmama have always been there for me, and have taught me, and loved me unconditionally….not all my Aunts are that way.
My recent ‘other mother’ I met at my church, First Baptist Indian Trail, and upon meeting her found out we grew up in the same neighborhood in Kingsport, TN (you never meet anyone from Kingsport). She has become such a great encourager in my life, even as she battles with cancer. She has helped erase so much hurt, and uncover good qualities about myself that I buried and forgot.
We love to hold hands, and I’ve told her, her hands feel like love.
What a blessing for ‘other mothers.’
I’m in for the giveaway!
God Bless.
my other mother is Linda, she was my next door neighbor growing up. Her son was my best friend (two years younger) They basically were our only neighbors since we lived in the country. I basically lived at their house every chance I coul. As I grew up I always need to get over to Linda’s no longer to play with her son but to talk to her and tell her all that had happened in college, she would just sit and listen as I poured out all the details of my college life the good the bad and the ugly. It was a time for me to vent, share without condemnation. I am soo thankful for my “other mother” Linda!
Your devotional was perfect for today. My mother and grandmothers were always wonderful to me and still are. My mom is my best friend. But I do have a few “other mothers” that have also touched my life. One being my husband’s aunt who I’ve written to for the last five years and our relationship is almost soley through snail mail. Not having a relationship with his parents as much has made this relationship even more important to have one connection to the family. His great-aunt Marilyn has also been apart of the connection to the family, sharing stories, memories and advice to me through out the last few years. Thank you for such a touching devotional.
loved your p31 blog today Karen. My mom left this earth when I was pregnant with my first child at the age of 20. That was 22 yrs ago. God has been so good to place wonderful women in my life. I am sooo blessed. What I wouldnt do for just 5 min. with my mom though! : ) I look forward to seeing her again one day! HAPPY MOTHERS DAY ALL!
Good morning Ladies, “the other Mothers”. I have had so many other mothers that I just want to first of all thank God for them all. I was raised by my Grandmother so there is where it all started. After she died about 21 yrs ago, I just kind of attached myselft to sisters, mothers etc and they embraced me. I appreciate them for it and everything they have done. My grandmothers, Louvenia and Margaret have to have been the most influential other mothers in my life. They both taught me of a mother’s love and its reach. They also taught me about Christ and his infinite wisdom as well as his awesome power. I miss them both but God has input so many “other mothers” in my life that I will not complain. Thank God for knowing what you need and placing it in your life when you need it. Thanks Karen, I really enjoyed this Blog!!
Mrs. Murphy, my fifth grade teacher, was my first other mother. She stepped in, mentored and loved me through my most formative years!
Sharon. That is her name. She was my other mother from the time I was 16 to about 20. She was one of those who always had time for you and cherished every moment with you. She never gave a disaproving look or word. Instead she spoke from the word and it transformed the woman I was and wanted to become. The most impactful thing she did was when I was 19 I had a baby and became a single mom. She never talked to me like I needed charity. SHe talked to me like just another mom having her first child. That changed everything for me. Because of that I believed I did not have to be a statistic and I threw off everything to push through all barriers to be the Mom God wanted me to be. Her example guided me so much of the time. And still does, especailly when I am talking to my kids. She has the most gentle way with her family. When I didn’t know what to do I would just pretend I was her! So grateful for other mothers!
Hello Karen!
My “other mother” would most definitely be my 3rd grade physical education teacher, Cindy Ratcliffe (now Cindy Stanley). I met Cindy at the age of 8 and now, 33 years later, we are closer than ever before.
I came from a broken home with a very dysfunctional childhood and Cindy was that “angel” that God put in my path to give me the encouragement and self esteem I needed at such an early age. As a result of a divorce and custody issues, I only saw my biological mother once a month for a weekend and even then it was not alot of mother-daughter time. I was looking for a “mother figure” and Cindy was it. She was the one I went to when I won athlete of the year at my Junior High School, the one I went to, at the age of 13, when I found out I was adopted and the one I wanted to show off my A-B honor roll report card to every 9 weeks. I could write for days about all the things this woman did for me and how she helped mold me into the woman I am today, but you would probably charge me for taking up too many BLOG lines……ha…….ha!
On this day to remember and honor the mother’s in our lives, I thank my God upon every rememberence of Cindy Ratcliffe.
I’m in!
Being a Mother myself now of 3 children; I am reminded of my Aunt Heidi and Grandma Kathie. I am reminded of their genuine want to see us dance, perform plays, sing songs and just enjoy life! With them I never felt rushed; they always cooked the greatest lunches, desserts and dinners- they seemed to do this with such ease. There is nothing better to a child than when they feel important to you. They certainly made me feel very special and dear to their hearts; and still do!
I thank my God for every remembrance of them and their genuine interest in my life.
I am so thankful for a beautiful Christian mother and mother-in-law who have modeled a faith-filled life for me. My “other mother’s” name is Carole and she lead a women’s bible study I was part of for several years. I was a stay-at-home mom at the time with young children. She pushed us to create a personal and real relationship with our Savior – always reminding us that we cannot teach to our children what we do not know or practice ourselves. She was a wonderful spiritual mentor to me – I hope I can do the same for another young mother in the future. Thank you Carole and God Bless!
Thanks for sharing your “Other mothers memory lane” w/ us! It reminded me of my “other mothers” as well. Thanks again! Pattie
My “other mother” is my dear aunt. She is my godmother (I was raised Catholic). She has always been so encouraging to me and prayed for me. To this day she still sends me encouraging emails, letting me know she is thinking about me and praying for me.
Other Mothers have played a role in my life, one in particular being the mother of one of my former students. The lady I knew as Shelby’s mom years ago as a college student has truly become a spiritual mother to me. God has worked in and through our relationship in many ways – walking with us through the joys (my marriage, her children’s weddings, my 4 kids), the challenges, the pain (the death of her father) and even used pain in her life to help comfort me during pain in mine as we walked through a miscarrriage 20 some years after she had. God has used her belief in me and love for me to make Himself real and help me become more confident to do what He’s calling me to do. One thing being sharing the importance of spiritual mothering by sharing our story. We have recently published “Letters from Leanne – The Beauty a Spiritual Mother-Daughter Relationship” and God continues to work in and through my other mother!!! Thanks for stirring up some wonderful thoughts Karen and Lord thank you for all the other mothers who touch our lives!!! Blessings, Jill
Hi Karen, THANK YOU for your devotion today. I needed to be reminded about the other women that God has so faithfully provided to mother me. You see, I hate Mother’s Day. My own mother abandoned our family when I was six. My step-mother was an unhappy woman who took out her anger on the two extra kids she got straddled with. All of my friends have these great relationships with their mothers but I have no one to call. If fact, just yesterday I was beginning to get warmed up to my weeklong rant about how stupid Mother’s Day is. Then I read your devotion and God reminded me of ttwo of the lovely women he sent into my life. My 6th grade teacher who gave shopping bags full of books, not only to encourage me to love reading, but also to let me know that someone cared about me. Joan Vivolo, the mother of my best friend in high school, an overworked mother of 6 who took in one more when I just couldn’t stay at home any more. From now on I will celebrate Other Mother’s Day. Thank you!
I had 2 aunts on my mothers side who I was very close to but haven’t spent enough time with them as they’ve grown old. They each had boys so I would stay at their houses on weekends and give them a “girl fix” from time to time. I also had a wonderful business teacher in high school who helped me set my course for my working life. But she’s also been a great friend of the years. All great women who I am proud to call “other mothers”.
I longed to have “another mother” because I was one of eight kids and my own mother was spread pretty thin trying to nurture young adults, teens and toddlers all at the same time. It was my next-to-the-oldest sister that was like another mother to me because she taught me how to make doll clothes, listened to me when I had teenage social issues, went window shopping with me, encouraged me to seek further education and so on. And now I’m a grandma of three precious little ones. I want to be there to nurture and encourage them.
My other mothers were/ are my step-grandmother, who married my grandfather when I was three and could not have been more of a “real” grandmother to me if she tried, and my boss at my work study job in college… God put these two women in my life in a very obvious way and for very obvious reasons and I am so thankful…
Betsy is her name. She’s not in my life right now, only for a short period of time. It was the first year of my marriage and my husband and I had eloped. No one knew we were married. My husband was a weekend alcoholic. I was trying to make the best of things, but figured we’d be divorced b/f the year was over. Betsy was co-teaching a band class at school with me. She didn’t know I was married either, but she was a beautiful Christian woman who never judged or pushed her beliefs on me. Neither did she know the struggles I was going through, but she was a godly example of a married Christian woman that I needed at that time. I’m so thankful God placed this “other mother” in my life during that season.
My mom and I are great friends, I hope it will be that way with my girls.
I had several “other mothers” growing up… Last Mother’s Day, my pastor gave the opportunity for us to stand and give thanks to our mothers in church. I felt God speaking to me to stand and give thanks for my “other mothers” who were seated in the congregation. I am totally not a public speaker (think stuttering, hives and tears), so I chickened out and did not stand. However, the women in my church get together once a month for our “Priceless Women’s Meeting”, and I had the privilege of being the guest speaker one night last fall. I had about a month’s notice to prepare my testimony or devotion. But as the day’s went on, I felt God reminding me to give thanks for those women in my church, along with my mother, who helped me become the woman I am today. I stood in front of a large group of women and poured out my heart to describe each of them: Sunday school teachers, Missionette sponsors, singers, my 6th grade sciene teacher, single mothers-all of whom sat listening with tears streaming down their faces. And I thank God that I was able to bless them as they had blessed me as a little girl, a youth member, a newlywed, a new mother, and now as one of them. God Bless our “Other Mothers”!!!
I’m in!!
Hi Karen -
My other Mother was truly a God-sent women. You see, 22 years ago I was a struggling single-Mom of two beautiful children. Although raised in a Bible-believing church and Christian family, I rebelled and walked away from God as a teenager. This rebellion continued until my early 30′s. I was miserable, lonely, and my life had taken many severe and ugly turns down a road of self-destruction. There were too many mistakes and terribly wrong choices on my part to begin to describe here. Suffice it to say my life was a disaster and I felt hopeless and afraid. I knew all along that the choices I was making were not what God wanted for my life, but somewhere along the way I lost sight of forgiveness and quite honestly didn’t feel like God could/or would want to forgive the awful things I had done. I became addicted to drugs, had relationships with men who were ungodly, and made many, many wrong decisions that affected my life for years to come. When I felt like I was at the end and there was absolutely no hope for me, God brought a this wonderful couple into my life.
Her name was Patty and she and her husband gently guided me back to the God I was first introduced to as a young child. Patty loved me unconditionally and totally, from a heart devoted to her loving relationship with Jesus. Slowly through her love, patience and oh so many trips to visit me in my rotten, suffocating and terrilbe state, I began to see Jesus who also loved me unconditionally. Through this saint, who I truly believe was sent by God to my little town, I began to seek forgiveness for my many wrong choices and sins. She and her wonderful husband became my “other Mom and Dad.” When they felt God’s calling to move over 200 miles away I was devastated and scared. We had only just begun to clean up the mess in my life. However, our God had a plan. These beautiful people invited my daughter (who was 3 yrs. old at the time) and I to come stay with them for a month the summer of 1988. While there, we began the difficult journey through the ugliness of my life. Patty and David (her husband) loved me at my very worst state, and through their example of love for me, I began to realize just how much my Heavenly Father loved me too.
Throughout the month I spent with them, we also dealt with demonic issues in my live. I was full of fear, hate, addiction, suicidal thoughts and unsuccessful attempts, sexual sins, lies and many other disgusting and ugly things. Gently and lovingly Patty guided me to a God I didn’t know. He loved me unconditonally and, although He hated my sin, He still loved me. This was a difficult concept for me to grasp, due to the many wrong choices I had made, and feeling as though no one could possibly love me, especially not God. But, Patty was God’s human example of someone totally devoted to Him who loved me ugliness and all. She was a God-send and through her love for me I began to understand and believe that maybe, just maybe God could love me too. I vividly remember a Sunday evening service in the basement of their church where the last song before being dismissed was “Jeus Loves Me.” I had sang this song a million times growing up in church but for the first time in my life I really understood and believed that “Jesus loved me!” Rotten, stinky, sinful me was loved by a Savior who longed for me to return to Him and accept His help in overcoming. I did and He did!
Today 22 years later, both Patty and David are sitting at our Savior’s feet in Heaven. The day they left this earth, to go to their heavenly home, was difficult for me, but I rejoice in knowing I will be reunited with them someday. One of the first things I want to do when meeting Jesus face-to-face is to thank Him for sending Patty (and David) into the life of a lonely and lost single-Mom. Their love shining through, from their love for Jesus, literally saved my life. I truly believe I wouldn’t be here today if not for Patty and her willingness and openness to share from her heart to a lonely, sad, and very tormented soul.
Through Patty’s encouragement, I went back to College and received my Master’s degree in Counseling in 1995. And although, I have been unemployed for almost two years now, due to budget cuts and a huge lack of jobs here in Oregon, I still know my Savior cares and He will provide. I have a zillion examples of how Jesus has taken care of me, and my now adult children, through the years. He has always provided for His child and I rest assured He will continue to provide.
There are still times I rush to the phone to call Patty and then I remember she’s not here. She was a beautiful person both inside and out and each Mother’s Day I always sent her a card to let her know how much she means to me. Now that she is in Heaven I thank Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for sending her to help a lonely, scared “little girl” of 32.
Thanks for letting me share here. I hope Patty is able to read this from Heaven and know I am eternally thankful for her. Because of her willingness to allow God to use her in my life things totally changed for me.
Thank You Patty My God-Sent Mom!
This devotion touched me since my mom went to be with the Lord a year ago Valentine’s Day at the young age of 64 after a valiant fight with breast cancer. I miss her dearly.
Thankfully, one of her dear friends, Carla, has loved me for years and continues to do so even now. See, we were military families living overseas, and as military families all know, you move so much and spend so many holidays away from your extended family that you create “family” with other military ones. Carla’s family has been as close to us as any of our “real” family, and she was like my mom’s sister. I can name her special dishes as easily as her kids can name my mom’s. And now, when my mom is not here with me, she continues to fill a void no one else would think of – she sends my kids birthday cards and that little check of $10 that grandparents send and grandkids love, that card they rip open and run around the house yelling “I’m rich, I got money”! Who else but a mom thinks of these things? She sends me cards too, and calls me to check in, even though we live in different states and she’s got 4 grown kids and a ton of her own grandkids. And last year for the first time, I sent her a mother’s day card, not because I didn’t have my mom to give to, but because it felt right… she’s a wonderful mom, a wonderful person, a selfless child of God.
Little did we all know way back when we had all those “family” holiday dinners as young families how important that bond would be in the years to come and how precious it would be when I needed it most. Thank you Lord for Carla.
Count me in!
My God-daughter has put God in MY path…or did God make me her God mother so that HE could do that? We have yet to figure it out, but I am so thankful for her and her family in my life.
Thank you, God, for giving Meredith to me to share.
Dear Karen,
I LOVED your message today and especially the title “Other Mothers” because that is what I’ve become to a young man we took in our home this year. My “Other Son” Michael joined our family in August and what was supposed to be a temporary situation, has turned into a new addition to our family. You see Michael is 18 years old and last summer he had aged out of the foster care system. He could no longer stay at the county youth home he had lived at for the past three years. Basically, he had no place to live. Members of our church had been keeping Michael at their homes but he had been bounced from home to home over several weeks. When we were told about Michael’s situation, my husband and I offered to help out Michael but only for the weekend. Michael has never left.
We have a 15 year old son who thinks of Michael as a brother and the two get along great! Our older son, who’s in the military, didn’t quite understand why Michael was “living” with us until he came for a visit and got to know Michael. He now understands and also considers Michael his brother.
Michael attends the community college I work at and has a part-time job there. His first semester he made straight A’s and this semester he has done very well again. During his first semester he spent a lot of time in my office but as he’s gained more confidence and more friends I don’t see him as much in my office. In addition to his job at the college, he works at a car wash and became manager a couple of months ago. He also volunteers at various church functions whenever possible.
It hasn’t always been easy but I have trusted God on this journey with Michael and have been amazed at how God has worked through some of the difficult situations we have dealt with. Michael has grown so much over the past 8 ½ months and I’m so proud to be his “Other Mother” or his “OM” as he affectionately calls me.
Yesterday (Sunday) my boys celebrated an early Mother’s Day for me because Michael will have to work on Mother Day weekend. Both boys gave up time with their friends and activities just to spend time with mom. It was a great day! I couldn’t have felt more special!
Thanks for allowing me to share! Happy Mother’s Day!
Cindy
Hi Karen,
Thank you so much for your sweet message. It really spoke to me. The funny thing is, I don’t remember any special Moms, other than my own, that really ministered to me as a child. I wish I did. I, like you was from a broken home and was a very lost little girl. Apparently, that need didn’t attract the kind of women whom you were blessed with in your life. I struggled much of my childhood for love and appropriate attention. Having 3 older brothers, I longed for girls who could be like sisters to me. Our heavenly knows our needs, and I have to say that I have been blessed throughout my life with precious girl-friends who have become those sisters. Their companionship over the years has been my saving grace many times over. These are the other mom’s I would like to honor this Mother’s Day. Thank you for reminding me!
I am so blessed to have a mother who prays for me, and who is a wonderful friend.
My other mother is my grandmother. She is truly a christian and will witness to any one and everyone who crosses her path throughout the day. She is my hero and has helped me throughout my life’s journey. She will stop at the drop of a hat to pray for someone no matter if you are in the comfort of your home or in the grocery store. If there is a need for prayer, she is that prayer warrior.
If it weren’t for the help of my grandmother, I wouldn’t be where I am today or the type of woman I am. When I was fifteen, I became pregnant. I thought my life was over and that I would be shamed and never accepted. My grandmother stood by my side and prayed for me everyday during my pregnancy. I wanted to give up so many times, but she wouldn’t let me. She watched my daughter so I could get through school and even helped out while I made it through college. She has given me words of encouragement and led me to Christ when I thought I was not worthy enough. She made me realize that he is a forgiving God and a loving Father. I recall times on my way to work and I would get so down (the devil was really beating me down). I called my grandma and she made me pull my car over so we could pray right then and there on the side of the road. She is so faithful in her love and committment to God that I strive for that connection she possess. She has a light upon her life and she has shined it upon me. I am blessed to have this wonderful lady be my grandmother and my rock. Whenever I would stray, she would pull me back in with her love, her words, and her prayers. I will always know that one person is praying for me and my family, and that is her.
Grandma you are my heart and my fortress. Thank you for believing in me and never giving up on me. You have helped me to be a caring mother, a great listener, and a faithful christian. I will carry your legacy of being the “other mother” to someone else and witness to all who cross my path. Love you!
Happy Mother’s Day to all!
Latoya
I have a wonderful mother. I also had other women in my life as I was growing up who helped to shape me into the woman I am today. Two of my aunts and two of my neighbors took the time to make me feel special. I thank God he put those women in my life.
My other mother is a missionary with Campus Crusade for Christ who loved me enough to “hold up the mirror” to reveal to me areas in my life that needed Jesus’ touch, and the Holy Spirit’s control. Jena challenged me to get out on the limbs of my young faith in my college years, to show me that the Lord desired to use me to minister to others, share the gospel, disciple and train women He intrusted to me, and go into full-time mission work myself to places all over the world.
Jena showed me the meaning of self-sacrifice, that serving the Lord in whatever capacity was the most worthwhile endeavor a woman could
The first “other mother” who came to my mind was my high school voice teacher. Not only was she a wonderful teacher, but a great mentor. She helped me find a career path that I am still in today. She also was a great confidant during all of my high school crises.
Well Mother’s Day is only 5 days away and I am regretably not looking forward to this day. I know it is selfish, but you see I was not able to bear children. I never want my mother, mother in law, sisters and girl friends who are all mothers to know the true pain I experience every year. To me, Mother’s Day is a public way of reminding me that I am NOT a mother and never will be. Today’s devotion was most encouraging. I know I have been influential in many young lives and I thank you for this type of a Mother’s Day tribute. Our Lord has blessed me with a wonderul godly husband, good health, great friends and much more. Although my heart is heavy, I thank you for recognizing the women who are “motherly figures.”
I was deeply touched by the devotional about “other mothers” in our life. It is certainly the grace of God that develops such beautiful, life-giving relationships among women. I have been blessed deeply by my friend Beth for many years. God brought her into my life when I was young and newly married, and I found such refuge in her company. Her home was infused with the aroma of Christ, and the wisdom she offered me in many a conversation set me on a path to discovering a much deeper level of freedom in Christ and hope than I had previously known. My weary heart and mind during those initial years were so comforted by not only her words, but even the muffins and coffee she would serve me seemed to fill so much more than just my tummy, because they were enveloped in times of such rich discussion and prayer at her kitchen table. After several years she moved out of state. But God, in His abundant grace, continued to grow me, and has blessed me with many opportunities to offer my time and home in the same way to other younger women, just as Titus 2 calls us to do. In addition to these encounters being a legacy I received from Beth to invest in younger women, they have also fulfilled a life-long dream of mine for my home to be a safe haven for others in need. Growing up with a single mother, there were many times that other “mothers” took both of us in for a warm dinner with their family, and times that they opened their homes to us for memorable holidays when we had no family in town. In recent years, it has been one of the dearest blessings of my life to hear others tell my husband and I that they feel peace and love in our home. Only the plans of the Lord would fashion my life to come full circle in this way. In His great love He uses relationships in this way to bring His peace to us when we are in need!
It’s funny, but I woke up this morning and my first thoughts were about honoring the “mentor moms” in my life. I have no idea where those thoughts came from today. And then to read today’s “Other Moms” article is a clear sign from God that I need to contact those ladies and say a huge “Thank You.”
My best “other mom” is my sister-in-law, Carolyn. She is 5 years older and has 4 kids which are older than mine. She is the first one I call for help with diaper rash, bee stings, developmental issues. She is the one I call when I lock myself in the bathroom out of frustration with motherhood in general. She is so patient with me and shows me what it means to be the best mom I can be.
My mom went to be with the Lord 9 years ago this coming October. I wish I could say that celebrating Mother’s day gets easier after that many years, but it doesn’t. What gives me strength to get through the week without my mom is remembering all of the God sent Christian women in my life. I send them each a card; I also remember any ladies in my life who are mothers for the first time or who are celebrating their first mother’s day without their mom. I thank the Lord for all of the special ladies in my life who call at just the right moment, send a card when I really need it…all the things that my mom used to do!
My other mother is Maxine–she and my mother were good friends and devoted Christians. Maxine lived 300 miles from us and I only knew her through what my mother said. Four months before my mother died, she encouraged me to get to know Maxine, which I did through phone calls and e-mails. After mom died, Maxine became my other mother, helping me through my grief and praying for me over the phone, sending me notes and just loving me, like a mother does. She was there for many a dark day when I was in the darkness of my grief and sorrow. When I would call her or send her a S.O.S e-mail, not once did she complain or say she was too busy or she had her own issues to deal with. She has been such a wonderful friend and strong force in my life and I know that God strategically placed her in my life for a reason.
Karen:
Your post today was wonderful!
I have several other mothers but they are all around my age! I couldn’t pick one over the other since they were, and are all so influential to me. Here’s a quick intro to each lady.
I received Christ as my saviour when I was 28. I was married, a mom of a little boy and absolutely LOST as to what I was supposed to do to be a godly wife, mother and woman of God. Several dear women decided to take me under their wing and guide me through the really troubled waters of new Christian growth.
Dollie was the first woman to welcome me as a sister in Christ. She has been my accountablility and my prodding iron. She is our church Adminstrator and there have been many days that I sit in the chair across from her desk receiving guidence, friendship and often a warm hug. I love her so dearly, like the older sister I didn’t know I needed. But God did.
Missy helped me figure out exactly what a submissive wife looked like, that she is also independent, spunky, amusing and not at all what the world tries to say submissive really is. She has taught me to be my husband’s cheerleader, safe haven, stress relief, entertainment, sounding board, best friend and advisor. She taught me what gentleness really looks like and did her best to bring that same trait out in me.
Melody has encouraged me that I am a very valuable assest and that any other opionion in a lie. I am stepping into leadership in our women’s ministry and she is the ultimate cheerleader and friend. She is the true friendship rock. Over the past very turbulent year, it has been her support and encouragement not to give up that has kept me going when I just wanted to quit.
By stepping into this women’s ministry leadership role, I hope and pray that I can begin to make the same sort of impact for God in women’s lives that all of these women have made in mine.
Thanks for letting me share about them!
Count me in please!
Growing up, I don’t rememember any “other mothers” in my life, just my mom. She and my dad divorced when I was 10, and I still remember it to this day. I also remember being so angry that she moved out and left my brother and I with my dad, abandoning us (in my child’s mind). I lived with my dad and stepmother until I was 12, and then moved in with my mom and stepdad. It was an ugly battle to get the custody arrangements changed, and it wasn’t until years later, when I could see how hard it was on her to let us stay with my dad. She lived on nothing in a terrible apartment complex in a bad part of town and didn’t want us to have to go through that. Once I moved in with her, we became closer and I remember having all those teenage girl discussions. She supported me when some bad things happened to me and never condemed nor judged, just encouraged and supported me. I’ve watched her faith play a major role in her life and although she lives several states away and we don’t see each other often, we talk on the phone often. Now that I’m a ‘grownup” with children of my own, I can appreciate her sacrifice.
I’m in!
Count me in. I lost my mother at a very young age and thankfully there were many women in my life to guide me.
I have two grown daughters and pray that I am a mentor to them to grow to love the Lord. I also have a wonderful grandson that I have shown how much the Lord loves him.
I have a few “other Mother’s”, but the most special one is my ‘aunt Elsie’. My mom died when I was 10 leaving me with a dad and a brother…my “aunt” was my mom’s best friend, she was there while she was sick with leukemia and she was there when she died. I always felt that I had a special place in her heart because of all of that. She is the ‘grandma’ to my kids and is there no matter what. She is the greatest example of Christ’s love that I have in my life. She loves me unconditionaly, and always prefaces every conversation with a word of Christ, or Christs love~She has always been there for me! When I was 14 and it was ‘that time’
I was NOT going to tell my dad…I called her and said “aunt Elsie, I need you.” She came right to the house, (after stopping by the store first) I have always been amazed how she knew. She was there at my wedding to help me ‘primp’ and have words of encouragement regarding my mother. She was the first one to hold both of my babies (besides my husband and I). She sent flowers on a special day to remind me of my mother. She is such a wonderful, friend, mother, wife, aunt, grandma, example of Christ. Thanks for listening!!!
I don’t have children of my own, but my husband had three children when I married him…they are all grown now, and I have been a stepmom to them and now am a grandma to six. I feel blessed to have been able to ‘mother’ these children, even though they are not ‘mine’ biologically…I love the grandkids and they call me grandma…I love that the girls have enjoyed playing with my old Barbies and we have had tea parties and done fun things together, and talked about the Lord. Even though I didn’t have my own kids, I feel the Lord gave these children as a stepmom/grandma to me to mentor, love and pray for.
Karen,
What a wonderful thought. I had a wonderful Mother whom i miss dearly. But I also had two other Mothers I remember. One when I was growing up whom I admired for her courage and strength. It was my best Girlfriends Mom and I watched her as she struggled in her life with a marriage that was tough and financial distress. She always had a smile and and encouraging word for all of us.
My other Mom is my first mother in law. She is my only Mom I have left. She is 89 and going strong and Loves the Lord. She has stuck by my side for over 44 years. Even with the death of her son 18 years ago(my husband) she stayed by me and we grieved together. Through all of this and when I found a new man to love me she also took him in as her son. In fact the whole family accepts us as one of them. She is a wonderful woman and I would love to win so I could Bless her with the Basket. There is so much more I could say but not enough time or room. Thanks and have a Blessed Mothers Day, Janie Gundy
I along with my best childhood friend Beverly drive the van for our Wed. night youth event at our church. Every child that we pick up is from an unchurched family. Not one of them attend a regular worship service, let alone do their families attend. Beverly and I are blessed to have been raised in a small rural community where everyone helped raised everyone elses children. We are also blessed to have been raised in church by Godly mothers and fathers. As well as many other mothers who fed and cared for all the kids in the community. We hope that we are passing that on to the children we pick up every Wed. night. One young 16 year old girl gets on the van every Wed. with a list of kids she has asked on the school bus if thery are coming that night so we know who to pick up. With out fail the note says…”Church ladies…I love you” ! This makes what is sometimes a difficult task at the end of a long day all worth while. I hope that when this young lady is our age she looks back at us a women who cared about her and tried to show her Jesus.
As Mothers Day approaching I always think of my “other mother” I lost her when I was 17. We called her Aunt Shirley- she was the our youth leader and was there everytime you needed her. If you had a bad day you could call her and she would come pick you up and take you home with her and you would bake or make hard candy that was her way of getting your mind off things. She always knew the right words to say to to encourage you and if she didn’t know which wasn’t very often she would say lets get the bible out and see what God is telling us and we would read the scriptures and then pray about it. She was the one that walked with me many years ago to the alter to accept Christ into my heart and she held my hand when I was nervous about giving a testamony after I got saved. She was My angel.
I remember going and seeing her in the hospital before she passed away and she could tell something was bothering me and she told me be strong and I will always be there. I was upset that she was leaving me behind but she reminded me that she was going to Heaven and it was ok. She always put others first even when she wasn’t feeling the best and facing the end of her battle. She lost the battle to cancer 20 years ago and I miss her dearly. But every mothers day I go to her grave and tell her that I miss her and how much of an impact she made on my life. This year I have joined facebook and have found her 3 sons and will be sending them a message to let them know how much their mother meant to me and the impact that she left on my life.
I am looking forward to the day when I get to see her face to face and tell her myself.
Thanks for letting me share my story.
I’m in! Thanks for the wonderful reminder that not only does God call us to mother our own children but provide loving support in practical ways to others who need the encouragement of a “mother” in their life.
I’m in! Thanks for your comments about being a nurturing/mothering influence in other women’s lives!
I’m in!
My mom was a wonderful Christian lady who taught me about Jesus and how much He loves me from the time I was a tiny girl. She has since left the church and is running away from God, Who waits patiently for her to see how much she needs Him.
I have no children, so I pray that God will use me to be “another Mother” to someone, and that I will love them the way He does. I’m glad you had those ladies in your life!
God bless,
Jennifer
hi karen
i’ve had so many “other mothers” when i really think about it! but i would say one that has stuck with me the longest was my grade 5 teacher.
she is the type of teacher who LOVES being a teacher… which then makes students LOVE to learn! the one lesson i always remember from her teaching our class, was when we were learning about the different parts of the ear. she had her ear drum removed but instead of just tossing it, she kept it in a jar for her kids to learn and see first-hand what the different parts were. this always really impressed me because it felt like she kept them just for us!
her laugh would fill a room and bring an instant smile – if not laugh – to anyone in listening distance. her faith stood the test of time when her son, who was in my grade, had numerous knee/leg surgeries. he would come to class in a hospital bed with a huge metal wheel on his leg with his knee as it’s centre – and no one thought anything of it.
if you needed a hug, she would be there before you asked. if you told a joke that wasn’t as funny as you had hoped, she’d still laugh! if you were sad, her eyes would fill up with tears.
but most of all, she kept in touch with me. she was at my wedding almost 4 years ago… and keeps telling me to call her by her first name – though i find it so hard! she says ‘we’re friends, please call me ruby’
thanks
My other Mother was my older sister (12 years older). My Mother was very dear to me but because she was 40 when I was born sometimes we just couldn’t relate. My sister during my jr. high and high school years lived close by so I could go to her easily and talk to her. I always got friendly advise but most of all it was Godly advise. I have awesome respect for her and still value her encouragement and words of wisdom that she gives me. She and her husband are retired missionaries and have just become the full-time pastor of the church where all of us kids grew up and were saved and baptised. Even though she is miles away she is only a phone call away for me and is definitely my prayer warrior at all times.
I am totally in. I have a “other mother” who is my dearest friend to this day. She is about 10 yrs. older than me but God so perfectly in His infinite wisdom moved my right across the street from her and her amazing family. You see her daughter suffers from severe OCD and when we first moved in what started out as a friendship and someone for her to talk to turned into what would be the very lifeline I would soon need. Two years later my daughter showed signs of severe anxiety and was later diagnosed with that and sensory intergration disorder. She became my go to person to cry with, laugh with, tell my struggles too, and because of her journey already someone with great wisdom and prayer and places to look for help. We have shared so much in our six years of friendship I feel I have known her my whole life. We have now moved two hours away but I talk to her all the time and she is still an amazing Godly women who has forever changed my life.
I am currently living with my “other mother.”
When I was born, I was brought up by my single mother in her parent’s house (she was twenty-one), and when their parents moved out, it became my uncle’s. My mother was an incredibly bad example–though needless to say she was pretty messed up; she was doing drugs constantly, having Lord knows what kind of physical relations with men. And she often indulged herself in believing that she was a witch. It was during this time that God placed my “other mother” into my life–however, she would not take up this role until much later. Her brother eventually kicked her out of the house when she was caught smoking pot with a girlfriend in the backyard, putting our family in danger of losing the house.
She and I moved from house to house after that, needing a place to stay. My mother soon married a lawyer, and signed me up for a Jewish academy which I attended shortly, but they got a divorce not even a week after the wedding. We moved a few more times, and then my father took interest.
After a blood test that my mother hoped would prove to him I was his daughter, and therefore make him provide child-support, my father demanded that I be handed to him, the unarguably more responsible of the two. Of course, being young and not knowing who he was, I hated him. This lead to us not getting along for the entire time I lived with him, whether I made him angry enough to beat me, or if he just had one-too-many rules.
When I reached my late-Junior High to early-High School years, I began spending summer with my “other mother” who was now married to my uncle–my mother’s brother. When I finally reached my third year of High School, my father finally got so fed up with me that he sent me to live with my aunt.
When I began living with her, she immediately knew how to deal with me, and it was slightly off-putting. Through strict regimen and high expectations, I found God, and learned how it feels to lead a responsible life, and how to appreciate what everyone has done for my life, whether big or small.
My aunt has been an “other mother” to so many others, too. Whether it was her very own cousins that she raised, or Leila, the RAD-troubled 11-year-old she’s fighting to adopt, Deanna has helped so many people. She’s a wonderful leader in the church, continuing to bring the Lord to everyone she meets.
Anne was my “other mother.” Her daughter, Amy, and I were best friends in junior high. I grew up in a Christian home and am blessed to have wonderful, loving, God fearing parents. However, other adults in your life during the teenage years can really have an impact on you. Our two families attended the same church and my parents were in Anne and her husband’s Sunday school class. I spent a lot of time hanging out at their house. Their home was always open and welcoming. I want that same welcoming atmosphere for my own kids and their friends when they get older. Five years ago, God really pressed on my heart to tell those who helped me grow in my faith. I wrote Amy a letter, because she really got me involved in our youth group and a great Christian group of friends. I guess it is time to write Anne and thank her too.
My other mother is my mother-in-law. When I got married, I relocated to a new city where I had no family. In one day my entire life changed. I had a new husband, a new home, a new city, a new church, a new job, a new everything. I was very close to my friends and family before marriage, so to leave them all behind was difficult.
When I moved, my mother-in-law welcomed me with open arms. I was the first daughter-in-law in the family. She has 5 sons and no daughters of her own, so she treated me as the daughter she never had.
She has supported me through my ups and downs. She has never criticized me for my poor housekeeping. She has eaten some pretty terrible meals that were prepared before I had perfected my cooking skills. She has truly been my friend. She has helped me with our children and has always been a shoulder I could lean on. She has so much wisdom and quiet strength and her eyes still shine with youthful excitement. It is a pleasure to be in her presence.
What a blessing to have her in my life. My mother always tells her “thank you” for being so good to me. Many people have “horror stories” to tell about their mother-in-law. I only have “honor stories”, as she is a woman deserving of much honor.
As a mother of two sons, it is my desire to give a young wife and mother what she has given me. A loving hand, an open heart, and a listening ear. I thank God for her everyday.
Other mothers come into our lives for a reason or a season and my first other mother was an old lady that lived in the woods behind our house. I don’t remember how I found my way to the house in the woods the first time. I think I was curious about her and her husband and what they did not have, not what they did have. Her skin was almost as dark as a wrinkled prune and her hair, (what I could see of it) was grey and stringy and usually under a bandanna. I becan talking to her, and as time went by she invited me to come in and have some tea and cookies with them. Parents today would not consider that as something a child should be allowed to do, but things were not as scary back in the 50s
The inside of their house had hard, dirt packed floors and nothing matched. But there was a treasured warmth in that home, and I welcomed it. She prepared that tea and cookies and served the three of us. She made me feel as if I was royalty. Although they didn’t have much, the little they had had was given with love. I got the very best they had and that is what I like to give to those who come to my house, the very best. An old house in the woods, no lights, just lanterns, no inside bathroom, just an outhouse, no furnace, heated by burning wood or whatever they could find to burn, and most of all, no children of their own. They had time for a young girl and I treasured the times I was with them. You see a mother loves unconditionally and my old lady in the woods loved me that way. I went back to that area when I was older and the old house in the woods was still there, but oh so empty. Someone told me that one day somebody had come and took them away from there. I went into the shack and it was nothing but the same old dirt floors and what furniture was there was all broken as if someone had trashed it. it didn’t matter because the little old lady and her equally old husband weren’t there anymore. My first other gave me an example of doing your best for those you come into contact with and it was a lesson well-taught. I still think of her from time to time and that was over 60 years ago.
Karen,
Until I read your post today I had completely neglected the thought of the ‘other women’ in my life. I am blessed to have several influential women in my life, but the one who makes my heart ache with memories of her tenderness is my dear friend Lorna.
Several years ago my husband and I were searching for a basement suite to rent. A friend pointed out an ad in a Christian newspaper for a basement suite in a family home. I contacted the woman and immediately was drawn to her – just through the sound of her voice and her intentional questions about our Christian walk and whether it would fit with opening her home to us. When we met Lorna, and went to view the suite, she smiled at me in a way that brought tears to my eyes – she embraced me and commented on how excited she was to see The Spirit reflected through my eyes. I am not an emotional person and these types of interactions typically make me squirm, but coming from Lorna it simply brought a sense of freedom and comfort. It was as if Lorna had a window to my soul that I had not allowed open to another woman since my childhood. And there was safety in allowing her a viewing.
The Spirit of God is always resting on Lorna and is evident in her work as a photographer and artist but also through the way in which she is constantly opening her home and her heart to other women. I have been blessed to have been able to live in Lorna’s home for 3 years – an arrangement that has only come to an end due to the birth of my twin sons and the need for a larger suite:) In these 3 years I have learned that there is a special place in my Christian walk for emotions and the tenderness with which the Holy Spirit touches my soul. Lorna has taught me that there is no shame in expressing the heart that God has given me and there is joy to be experienced in the love the flows out from a heart that is sensitive to the yearnings of the Holy Spirit in others.
Even now, after moving out and settling in to a new place Lorna will send an email at just the right times and I know when I open it I will be greeted with words of refreshing and tenderness that can only be created by the creator Himself. I have never seen the beauty of Christ in another woman in the way that I have seen it in Lorna. And I count myself blessed to have her as a mother in my life and a grandmother in my sons’ lives.
I’m in! Thank you Lord for my mother in law who has been an example of a mature godly woman in my life.
My other mother was so much a mother to me that I thought of her as part of our family. When she passed away a few years back, one of the first thoughts that popped into my mind was that I’d needed to put in for funeral leave from work in order to attend her funeral. Then I realized she wasn’t related to me when I calmed down a bit, and I thought how silly of me! But that’s the way “Eppie” (Ethel) treated my brother and I. She babysat me from the time I was 4 weeks old until I was eleven. At that point my mom figured I could handle my younger brother until she got home from work, so we stopped our daily visits to Eppie’s house.
Eppie was a devoted Christian. She routinely hosted the church ladies’ group at her home for their monthly meetings, and when she wasn’t doing that, she was hauling us along with her to their outings and events. She took us to Vacation Bible School, church suppers, singings, etc. These were all things that my mom didn’t have time to do with her busy work schedule.
Eppie also taught me how to cook and sew, and how to appreciate nature. Again, all things my mom didn’t have time to do.
I regret that I grew apart from her as I married and got older. I thank God though that he let me be with her for the times we had together.
Though I have a wonderful mom, God has placed precious “other mothers” in my life as well. One of whom really helped me when I left an abusive marriage and moved back home. Sissy had been down the road I was on and never judged or condemned, she just loved me like Christ and poured into my life in a beautiful way. She truly blessed me by praying with me and encouraging me on a weekly basis. Sometimes I just wept for hours in her office and she just let me. The whole time she encouraged me with Christian books and Bible studies.
When I read your e-devotional today, I immediately thought of my Auntie bernie, who is not a blood relative or even a relative by marriage. However, she was one of my mother’s dearest friends and she was at times like a second mother to me (although I have a wonderful mother). When my parents, who were missionaries, were on deputation to raise financial and prayer support for the first time, I was 7 yrs old and my sister and I stayed with Auntie Bernie while my parents traveled. She spoiled us and was just one of the most loving people in the world. Probably even more meaningful to me was what she did for me when I was in college in another state and my parents were still serving overseas. I always knew I had a home at Auntie Bernie’s. One time I went there over the Christmas holiday and she MADE me sleep in until 10 a.m. (which I never would have done otherwise) and then took me to lunch and shopping. She bought an expensive dress for me and was just so sweet and generous. We always commented on how she truly had the gift of hospitality. She died and is now with our Lord and I miss her!
As I read your post today, it dawned on me that I have “other mothers”. I am excited about this becuase I lost my mother seven years ago. As a matter of fact, I laid her to rest the day before Mother’s Day on May 10, 2003.
My mother was such a wonderful, spirited filled woman. She struggled for ten years with multiple sclerosis before complications from this illness took her. She was a hairdresser for 30 years, sang in the church choir, and taught Sunday School to the mentally challenged. No matter how the illness took each piece of her body away, she would always thank God for the day He has blessed her with. No matter how sick she was or how much pain she was in, she praised God through it all. My mother showed me what faith really was and how not to talk things for granted.
Even though she is gone, she is not lost in my world. I have all the memories of everything that touched both of our lives; whether good or bad. I have been so blessed to have had an opportunity to go through all of her pain, illness, and tears of joy and sadness. I consider myself blessed to have known my mother through it all until she drew her last breath.
I am honored to say that I have “other mothers”. These precious women of our church have touched my life so much. They are there when I need to talk, they are there to listen to my stories about my children and grandchildren, and they are so gracious to share advice from cooking, to knitting, to any other thing that comes my way. Mrs. Plaster, Mrs. Harris, and Mrs. Hohenfeldt have blessed me so much. I know that God has strategically placed these ladies in my life to “fill in” for my mother.
Mother’s Day is a time for reflection and a time to realize just how very blessed you are. Thank you for your devotion and tribute to Mother’s no matter what their standing. God Bless you Karen to touching me so:)
My other mother is my Spiritual mom. Her name is Karen and I love her so much. I met her in 1982 when I was 13. She was my camp counselor. We ended up becoming friends. April 2009 our friendship became a mother and daughter relationship. I started emailing her about all the pain and hurt I had gone through in my life. Things like abuse that I never told anyone about. She has helped me in so many ways. She answered questions I had about things that my own mother should have taught me when I was a teenager. I was never close to my own mother and we never had mother and daughter conversations. My Spiritual mom and I have those types of conversations. She shows me a mothers love like I’ve never felt before but that I’ve always wanted. When my Spiritual mom gives me a hug I feel loved. I never feel that love when my own mother hugs me although I know she loves me. I thank God for putting my Spiritual mom in my life.
My Mom has been gone for about 10 years. We became best friends after I was married. We shared raising kids, cooking, gardening and much more. She read her Bible every morning before anyone else was up–usually started about 0430 or 0500.
My Mom was the “other Mom” to many-sister in laws on my side, sister in law on my husbands side, church members, aunts, nieces, sisters and others. To my husband she could do no wrong and was his “other Mom” if asked. She set the example I wanted to follow with my daughter and sons in laws and anyone else that needed encouragement.
My other mother is my friend Rhonda. She has shown me so much with her “godly” wisdom. I love her so much and appreciate all that she has shown me about living a “godly” life.
I have had several “other mothers” for different periods of my life. Most were elderly women who took it upon themselves to mentor me. They are all in heaven now. Another one is now serving in Africa as a full-time missionary – a grandmother herself, but she is there to mentor young widows who are caring for community orphans. She is an inspiration to me – proves you are never too old, and that it’s never too late to serve God where and when He calls you.
I am extremely short on time this week – my husband is away for a conference, and it’s just me. No “divide and conquer.” So “I’m in!”
My “other Mom” is now my Adoptive Mom. She and her husband took in an abused 17 year old with lots of problems and helped me grow, learn and become a loving, devoted wife and mother of three. I also provide home daycare and take care of many children. Mom has given me so much that I am able to help those around me. Thank you Mom!!
Valerie
Your post was lovely. Simply put I thank God for my mom!! She has taught me, but also has allowed me to teach her; she is truly my best friend. She has been a true reflection of a Proverbs woman.
My “other mother” was my friend, Kay McLaughlin, who was a youth group leader at my church as a teenager. She is now a short-term missionary and “other mother” to many young people in Bolivia. She inspired and encouraged me at a tender age and I’ll never forget her. She still inspires me today, because I know she has overcome terrible hardships in her life by the power of God’s love. Instead of being bitter about abuse she suffered as a child, she is forgiving and very strong in her faith. She is one of the nicest people I have ever known.