During the past few weeks, I have stared at a blank piece of paper with a desire to convey the right words for this month’s Shades of Goodness. As I began to think of Mother’s Day, the word honor continuously came to my mind.
As I drove home Thursday, I talked with an old friend who began to express how honor had changed his life. Surrounded by the backdrop of a picturesque view, I listened and continued driving while tears streamed down my cheeks.
The following day, I began to search through scriptures. I started seeing God as the one who honors Himself, His word and others. He tells us to do the same. Real honor can not be cheaply given; it’s an act of the heart that starts with God and flows out to others.
One of the reasons Shades Of Goodness exists today is because of my own mother. My entire life, I watch her unwavering faithfulness to God and her family. As a child, I did not realize the sacrifices that my parents’ made or their financial struggles during the early years while raising a family of four girls. I only knew that my parents were present. They gave us what they had, and it was enough. There were no brand name clothes or shoes, but there was a roof over our heads and chicken served a 100 different ways. In fact, my cousin still says today that my mother made the best fried chicken she’s ever tasted.
I’m reminded of an instance where as a little girl I sat in the back seat of our car with my three sisters. I remember hearing my mother pray over our car that wouldn’t start. Quietly, I watched her pray over the hood of the car. After returning to the car, the ignition turned over and she praised God as we went on our way. My mother had a lifestyle of prayer. I believe that this woman that filled my world could do anything because the God of the universe answered her prayers. Through her, the sick were healed, financial needs were met, and dead cars started.
Was my family perfect? No. There’s no such thing, but I had a good home. My mother exhibited consistency, stability, presence and she displayed an example of what having a daily relationship with God looked like. I’m thankful for how God created her to help me navigate some of the most critical seasons of my life. As a child, I saw my mom as a pillar of strength. I asked her a few years ago, if there were times that she ever wanted to give up in the faith. She responded, “Yes, there was once an extremely difficult time in my life, but I knew you and your sisters were watching me. I was motivated to keep holding on because I knew that one day you all were going to need Jesus and I needed to pass Him on to you.”
During the years, I have watched as my sisters and so many of my friends tirelessly gave of themselves by doing the best they could for their families despite life’s difficulties. There have been tears, sacrifices and life circumstances that felt unbearable at times, but they continued. I think of the women who have not physically given birth to a child, but who have chosen a child (or children), and have loved them as their own. I think of the mothers whose children are not on earth, but are in heaven. I think of the women who desire children and don’t have any.
My heart goes back to this one thought, “God honors you.” In full agreement, Shades of Goodness honors the fruitfulness of women — whether it’s in the home, in ministry, in business or the within the community. Whether you are inside of a church today or walking the shorelines of a beach, may you feel God ever so close, loving and honoring you.
Angela is the Founder of Shades of Goodness. She looks forward to providing a platform dedicated to discovering the goodness in the world around us: home, finances, random acts of kindness, cuisine, personal goals, and most importantly God.
