Many Mothers
It is true that Jesus loved His mother – Mary. One way He showed it was by making sure her physical needs were met after His passing (John 19:25-27). Yet, Jesus points out that all people must choose a spiritual relationship with God, over-and-above, all temporal relationships –even mom (Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21). In my life, I have had five mothers. Yet, it is not to them that I hold my allegiance. Long ago, I chose God over my parents love (Matthew 10:37-38; 19:29). Thankfully, since I put God first, the love and respect that I have for them has grown more so (Luke 10:27).
My mom, Janice Reeves, brought me into this world. I was a literal pain to her. I guess being a breach baby didn’t help much. Mom was a new Christian by the time I was born. She wouldn’t claim to have been perfect but she loved her children and was a responsible parent. Thanks mom for your example of love to God through Christ.
In my early twenties I married Shannon. It was at this time that I first experienced the proverbial“mother-in-law”. [Just kidding]. Lyleth Bell is the best. She is a great teacher, mother, and grandmother. I have always appreciated her dedication to helping people grow to their potential. She has been a true partner in godly, family relationships.
Of course, another mother in my life was my first wife – Shannon. Her motherhood was not a superficial one. A career-minded woman, who worked as an attorney, she bore two beautiful children. Her dedication as a mother was most evident when she struggled with cancer for three years. It was her willingness to fight to be a mother as long as she could that sustained her through the suffering that is – cancer.
After Shannon’s passing, God provided another beloved wife and, yes, a . . . “mother-in-law”. Crystal’s mom, Debbie Smith, is a kind and thoughtful soul. She is a great example of an older woman teaching a younger woman how to respect her husband (Titus 2:3-5). Debbie likes me and I like her.
My current wife of four years, Crystal, has dedicated her life not just to a man but a whole family. She dearly loves, Caitlin and Connor, Shannon’s parents, my side of the family, and our two new additions – Christian and Caity. She works diligently to be a godly mother for Christ (Proverbs 31:10-31).
I am grateful to God for all the mothers in my life. Evidently, God knew that I needed each and every one to help produce, in me, a better man who abides under the Lordship of Christ. I am humbled towards God’s use of spiritually, minded mothers. God, thanks for the mothers in my life.
The Lord’s humbled . . . John A. Reeves
It is true that Jesus loved His mother – Mary. One way He showed it was by making sure her physical needs were met after His passing (John 19:25-27). Yet, Jesus points out that all people must choose a spiritual relationship with God, over-and-above, all temporal relationships –even mom (Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21). In my life, I have had five mothers. Yet, it is not to them that I hold my allegiance. Long ago, I chose God over my parents love (Matthew 10:37-38; 19:29). Thankfully, since I put God first, the love and respect that I have for them has grown more so (Luke 10:27).
My mom, Janice Reeves, brought me into this world. I was a literal pain to her. I guess being a breach baby didn’t help much. Mom was a new Christian by the time I was born. She wouldn’t claim to have been perfect but she loved her children and was a responsible parent. Thanks mom for your example of love to God through Christ.
In my early twenties I married Shannon. It was at this time that I first experienced the proverbial“mother-in-law”. [Just kidding]. Lyleth Bell is the best. She is a great teacher, mother, and grandmother. I have always appreciated her dedication to helping people grow to their potential. She has been a true partner in godly, family relationships.
Of course, another mother in my life was my first wife – Shannon. Her motherhood was not a superficial one. A career-minded woman, who worked as an attorney, she bore two beautiful children. Her dedication as a mother was most evident when she struggled with cancer for three years. It was her willingness to fight to be a mother as long as she could that sustained her through the suffering that is – cancer.
After Shannon’s passing, God provided another beloved wife and, yes, a . . . “mother-in-law”. Crystal’s mom, Debbie Smith, is a kind and thoughtful soul. She is a great example of an older woman teaching a younger woman how to respect her husband (Titus 2:3-5). Debbie likes me and I like her.
My current wife of four years, Crystal, has dedicated her life not just to a man but a whole family. She dearly loves, Caitlin and Connor, Shannon’s parents, my side of the family, and our two new additions – Christian and Caity. She works diligently to be a godly mother for Christ (Proverbs 31:10-31).
I am grateful to God for all the mothers in my life. Evidently, God knew that I needed each and every one to help produce, in me, a better man who abides under the Lordship of Christ. I am humbled towards God’s use of spiritually, minded mothers. God, thanks for the mothers in my life.
The Lord’s humbled . . . John A. Reeves
Article published on May 13, 2011 at The Idalou Beacon in Idalou, Texas
Published in the blog "The Lord's Humbled" in May, 2011
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