By Larry Coppock
Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her
Proverbs 31:28
My mother has lived with my family for 23 years. That covers moves from three cities and two states, watching our youngest son go from first grade to being married. Her progeny includes seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. My mom is 87 and drove the same Plymouth for 25 years. She obviously represents the thriftiness of her generation.
When my war-veteran father was dying from chronic kidney disease in 1960, she was not only a loving wife but the care giver; somehow, along the way, she managed to raise me and my two sisters. Mom made sure we were in church every Sunday, drove me to baseball games and—with that motherly touch—put a damp wash-cloth on my forehead when I was sick. She worked as a sales clerk and helped me get my first job selling men's clothing where I worked alongside her.
I mention my mom and describe these seminal events as 18 months ago she was diagnosed with cancer. Recently, she was in Louisiana visiting my oldest sister when we got word the cancer had spread. The doctors give her 3-6 months to live. We have found a hospice care facility and made final arrangements.
I ask you to lift up my mother in your daily prayers. Many of you have been through difficult times like this with your own mothers. These events serve as a reminder to cherish these special memories and reflect on the grace God gives us through the gift of a Godly mother.
While we as men are often compared to our fathers in terms of stature and strength, perhaps we can attribute other positive traits to the one who gave us life.
Today is a good day for all mothers to be celebrated, remembered and adored.
Larry Coppock, national director of scouting ministries and director
of the Strength for Service Publication Fund
General Commission on UM Men
LCoppock@gcumm.org
www.StrengthforService.org
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