Mom

If you know me, you might know that as a teenager I hated being told that I was like my Mother.  I think it's something that most young girls may not necessarily look forward to hearing; however, recently I have realized how much I hope I am like my Mom in many ways.

My Mother, Alisa Jo Brackney, beautiful, hard working, and driven. I am just beginning to realize how hard she works and how much she loves us and strives to provide for us. She cooks (amazing food), cleans, home schooled me, Leneigh, and Hannah (and got us all off to college) and still home schools my youngest sister, Grace, keeps many beautiful gardens (to provide fresh food and a beautiful yard), she is up late ironing my Dad's shirts as we speak, among many other things. I can only imagine how much energy this takes, and as I begin to think about taking care of my own home I am beginning to appreciate more and more what she does and who she is.

Not only does my Mom keep us all taken care of, but she (with my amazing Dad) has raised me and my sisters in a way that I think has greatly equipped us for life - spiritually, mentally, and socially. My Mom and I haven't always seen eye to eye, and we've not until more recently become close, but looking back I know that my Mom has always had my best interest at heart and was right sometimes too. (That's the thing that most kids, including myself, promised we'd never say). Crazy.

Unfortunately this is the only recent picture I have of my Mom and I, but even so you can see that she's a beautiful person; or at least I think so - inside and out. She has a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh, a servant heart, a love for God, her family, and her neighbors and friends. I have seen my Mom change over the years into even more of a confident, loving, and joyful person and I am so thankful and blessed to be her daughter.

I can only hope and pray that I continue to remember the things she has taught me over the years and what continues to teach me. Not only is this because she has set a great example for me, but also because now it is my turn to become a wife, eventually a mother, and continually a daughter. I want to show love, patients, forgiveness, and joy the way my Mom has shown these traits to me.

Thank you, Mom, for teaching me, trusting me, loving me, instilling confidence in me, putting up with me when we didn't see eye to eye, and continually encouraging me follow God in everything I do.

I think this Proverb describes my Mom well and is something I will also strive toward.
I picked The Message for a bit more of a modern setting, but with the same NIV (or whatever other translations) standards and meaning.   ;)

Proverbs 31:10-31

The Message (MSG)

Hymn to a Good Wife

"A good woman is hard to find,
    and worth far more than diamonds.

Her husband trusts her without reserve,
    and never has reason to regret it.

Never spiteful, she treats him generously
    all her life long.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
    and enjoys knitting and sewing.

She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
    and brings back exotic surprises.

She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast
    for her family and organizing her day.

She looks over a field and buys it,
    then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
    rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

She senses the worth of her work,
    is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
    diligent in homemaking.

She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
    reaches out to help the poor.

She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
    their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

She makes her own clothing,
    and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Her husband is greatly respected
    when he deliberates with the city fathers.

She designs gowns and sells them,
    brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
    and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
    and she always says it kindly.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
    and keeps them all busy and productive.

Her children respect and bless her;
    her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things,
    but you’ve outclassed them all!”

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
    The woman to be admired and praised
    is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God."

(I like the NRSV better for this part...)

"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."