Paying tribute to Mothers

Pastor Arnie Wyllie

I was adopted as an infant. Grace and Bill Wyllie are the only parents I have known. I truly believe that God “hand-picked” Grace and Bill for me. Since it was Mother’s Day May 11, I will concentrate this article on my Mom. I have one brother, John, who was also adopted. Mom took us to Sunday School at a Presbyterian Church. John and I were told that Mom was the best cook in the church. I especially remember a never-ending supply of all kinds of cookies. When I was 16, Mom got Alzheimer’s. We did not understand, only that Mom could not remember who we were. Mom lived in a place similar to J.B. Wood for eight years until she died. Mom’s godly influence for those first 16 years of my life kept me from getting in more trouble than I did. I give God and Mom all the credit in the world for who I am. I still think of Mom. Certain sounds, songs and circumstances remind me of Mom every day. Someone once told me that there is a “golden thread” that runs through every person’s life. On the evening that I became a Christian - when I was “born again” - God showed me that “golden thread”. Mom was right there, at the beginning of that “golden thread”. I believe Jesus would also testify to the godly influence of His Mother in His life. Our Bible speaks of wisdom in feminine terms. Read the Book of Proverbs from the Bible to find a “word picture” - a personification - of wisdom. A proverb is a short concise sentence that conveys a moral truth. Wisdom comes alive in the Book of Proverbs using feminine terms. Wisdom was there when God created everything. Wisdom gave God’s Creation that “feminine touch”. The Bible says, “By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens.” (Proverbs 3:19) “The Lord formed me (wisdom) from the beginning, before He created anything else. I was appointed in ages past at the very first, before the earth began. I was born before the oceans were created, before the springs bubbled forth their waters. Before the mountains were formed, before the hills, I was born – before He had made the earth and fields and the first handfuls of soil. I was there when He established the heavens, when He drew the horizon on the oceans. I was there when He set the clouds above, when He established springs deep in the earth. I was there when He set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when He marked off the earth’s foundations, I was the architect at His side. I was His constant delight, rejoicing always in His presence. And how happy I was with the world He created; how I rejoiced with the human family!” (Proverbs 8:22-31) Let us take a look in the Book of Proverbs to see what “wisdom” has to say. “Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate.” (Proverbs 1:19-20) “Listen as wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud, ‘I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding. Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge.’” (Proverbs 8:1-9) The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say about women. How fitting that the book ends with a picture of a woman of strong character, great wisdom, many skills and great compassion. “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.” (Proverbs 31:28-31) Isn’t that just like Mom, eh?