My Mother: 1934 - 2014

My Mother passed away this week.  She died as she lived, with great courage and grace.  The words of Proverbs 31: 10-31 describe her best:

"Who can find a noble woman? For her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, and her food supplies never diminish.

She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeks wool and linen, and works willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchants ship, she brings her merchandise from afar.

She rises also while it is yet night, and gives food to her household and work to her maids.
She considers a field, and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vinyard.

She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms.

She perceives that her merchandise is good; her lamp does not go out all night.

She stretches out her hands to the poor; yea, she stretches forth her arms to the needy.

The members of her household are not afraid of the cold; for all of them are clothed with scarlet.
She makes herself a covering of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the cities, when he sits among the elders of the land.

She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles to the merchants.

Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom; and upon her tongue is the law of kindness.

The ways of her household are above reproach, and she does not eat of the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; and her husband also praises her.  Many daughters have done well, but you have excelled them all.

Comeliness is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman who reverences the Lord shall be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gate."

My Mother is free from pain and fear; we who are left are hurting, but we will heal.