“Her children arise and call her blessed…” (Prov 31:28)

With Mother’s Day coming up next weekend, this seems like a good time to acknowledge the women who have influenced me the most in my life. From my mom to her mom to my dad’s mom, these women have provided strong examples of who a Christian woman should be.

My mom is, of course, the strongest influence in my life. She has been there from the beginning, loving me and nurturing me. She has set a Godly example for me to follow, and I regularly seek her advice when faced with a difficult situation. I remember conversations we would have about Jesus when I was just a child – maybe six or seven – as she explained he was my friend and would forgive my sins. My first Bible was a gift from my mom – a Precious Moments Bible – and she encouraged me to read it for myself to learn more about our Savior. When I became a teenager, she gave me a student Bible with devotionals that addressed common issues faced by teenagers of the 90s.

She has also been one of my staunchest supporters when it comes to writing. She was the first to support me when I changed my major from business to English, and she has always been my first reader. My mom’s grasp of grammar and the written word are strong, and she is an avid reader. I know I get these skills from her, and my love of education and all things related to school from my dad. Those things have been a good combination in my life.

My mom’s mom, my Grandma Rena, also pointed me toward Jesus. Grandma Rena helped me see him as a real person and taught me how to apply biblical truths to my life. She would weave Bible verses seamlessly into any conversation, and she could explain the Bible in a way that applied to my life as a teenager – a time when many go astray and struggle with their faith. Thanks to my Grandma’s influence, I have never doubted Jesus’ love for me.

My dad’s mom, my Grandma Velma, was my first and longest-term pen pal. Because my dad’s mom and stepdad lived in Nevada, I didn’t get to see them as often as I saw my mom’s parents, who lived just down the street from us. Unlike most kids, I didn’t enjoy talking on the phone, even with family members. I preferred to write letters, and Grandma Velma indulged me by writing back every time. Receiving letters from her was such a joy, and I remember rushing to my room to read her letter and pen my response as quickly as possible. Eventually, we adopted modern technology and switched to email, but there was something so personal about receiving a handwritten letter. Letters between us became less frequent as I got older and adult concerns took over my life, but we continued to exchange letters until she was no longer able. Grandma Velma was very active in her church and community, and she passed this love of helping people to me.

I have had many other strong, influential women in my life, including a number of aunts and cousins, but these three have had the most influence and helped set me on the path I’m on today. Without them, I’m not sure where I would have ended up. Words can’t express how thankful I am to the Lord for allowing me to have them in my life.

Dear Jesus, thank you for my mom, my Grandma Rena, and my Grandma Velma. Thank you that all three pointed me to you and showed me how to have my own relationship with you. Amen.