My Mother - "She is Faithful to God" (by Cindy Harrell)

Cindy Harrell (on right) with her mother

May is the time of year when we celebrate Mother's Day. Ephesians 6:2 reminds us that we are to "Honor your father and mother." It is always right to honor your mother. This year, we invited members of our congregation to share with us the secrets of being a great mother. Today's post comes from Cindy Harrell.

 What Makes My Mother Great?

Her Dedication to Her Family

Who can raise 4 kids born in less than 4 years with a wringer washer and cloth diapers and formula (because the doctor said she shouldn’t nurse)? My mom did, cooking meals from scratch, baking goodies from scratch, and sewing clothes for her children. My mom was very industrious, and probably very tired. She did not have the conveniences that we have, yet I never remember her complaining. She faithfully did what she needed to do to meet our needs. She put our needs above her own, making us new clothes while she wore her old ones.

Throughout the years, my mom was there for me. When I got home from school, she was there. Many times I would walk around the table and talk to her while she was busy in the kitchen. l still go to her when I need someone to talk to. She is a very good listener. She has been very supportive of me in my adult life, from encouraging me in the raising of my kids, to encouraging us to get counseling when our marriage was on the rocks. She has always been there for me, not giving up on me and faithfully praying for me.

She also encourages me to live a healthy life by her example. Whenever she has a health issue, she will research it and change her diet if she needs to. She still cooks a meal most days and bakes bread and other baked goods. She exercises faithfully and takes vitamins. Sometimes I think she is healthier than I am.

Her Dedication to the Church

She not only worked at home, but she also was active in our church. When I was in fourth grade, my dad became pastor of a small church and he pastored the rest of my growing up days. My mom was a very good Pastor’s wife, doing whatever needed to be done. She played piano. She made bulletins, without the convenience of a computer. She had to type on special copy paper. If you made a mistake, it was not an easy task to fix it. She spent a lot of time making the bulletin look nice. Sometimes she taught a Sunday School class. She spent time preparing her lessons. She is still involved in the church, teaching and playing piano and preparing meals when there is a need.

Her Dedication to God

I believe much of what has helped my mother throughout the years has been her faith in God and her faithfulness to God. She has made prayer a regular part of her life. She loves God and it shows in the way she lives her life.

• Read More of our Special Mother's Day Posts