March 25, 2009
8:45 AM

Yesterday was a special day – it was my mom’s birthday and I would like to take a moment to honor her. Two words that immediately come to mind are gentle servant. My mom delights in serving her family, her friends, and her God. She serves with a gentle spirit. She has been serving with Mission Aviation Fellowship in this way for 41 years. No doubt that many throughout the years have experienced the blessings of her gentle service. This year brings huge changes as she transitions to her new assignment out of her career with MAF into her career as full-time grandmother (and other important ministries as well). Her family in California is eagerly anticipating the joy of having her come home. When I was 23 I figured out how blessed I was to have such a great mom namely that she was a P-31 woman, the kind that I would like to marry. (P-31 being a reference to Proverbs 31). More than that, I wanted to possess these same god-honoring qualities that I saw in Mom, yet as a man and in a masculine sort of way. My Savior described himself as a servant who is gentle, and in this way my mom embodies the character of Christ. Mom taught me how to be a gentle servant. I have always considered my father a very wise man, but not until recently did I realize that Mom possesses great wisdom as well. First of all, being a P-31 woman, she fits the biblical description of a wise woman. But a few weeks ago, our pastor, Gary Inrig, preached a great sermon on the wisdom from above, from James 3:13-18. (You can listen here, Wise or Otherwise). I was struck by the description of heavenly wisdom from verse 17. This verse describes mom. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17 ESVS) Anyone who knows her would agree that these qualities are the fruit that flows from her life. If you bump into Mom, this is what spills out (even when it is an ugly bump that has to do with conflict the context of this Scripture). I praise God that his Spirit living in mom has produced this wisdom and continues to produce it increasing measure. Years ago, as a young adult when I began to rediscover the blessing of my mother, I wrote this poem and I’d like to end this with it. Here’s to the year ahead, Mom! Cheers to you and thanks to God for you! Mother, I Love You My thoughts turn to you mother On this very special day Thankfulness, indebtedness; feelings one after the other Heartfelt joy from kindness I am unable to repay Emotions I cannot rightfully express using paper and pen Remind me of how vividly you show God’s love time and again It has not always been through words, though words have been many Letters faithfully written to encourage comfort and guide Often times when my spirit was dead it was these kept me alive Virtue, one of the highest qualities you possess Exemplified by your actions – so giving; so selfless Yes, your actions have been the most powerful lesson to me Of how love by God’s standards was meant to be Unlike none other; I will forever call you blessed!! Mother, I Love You!
Written for Mom on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1994.

Bill Born