Celebrate Mom!

For many days, now, we have been exhorted to tell our moms we love them. Buy her flowers! Buy her candy! Buy a fabulous dinner! Buy bubble bath, salt scrub, and a spa day! Buy jewels – especially ones representing her children! Buy! Buy! I do understand that gifts are one way of demonstrating love. The real question, as always, is, “What does God say?”

Hear the Word of the Lord: (Ladies, let’s assume the references to “son” would include “daughter.”)

“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you…” Deut. 5:16 NIV

“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.” Prov. 10:1

“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.” Prov. 15:20

“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.” Prov. 20:20

“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it—wisdom, instruction and insight as well. The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!” Prov. 23:22-25

Want to make Mom happy? Be a wise kid. (OK, you can buy her a present, too.) Even if your mom is gone and you can’t give her anything, your wisdom and right behavior will continue to honor her name.

--Lynda Shenefield