A Virtuous Woman
by Gene Zackerman
MC Midweek May 10, 2023
Proverbs 31 serves as a guide for women that is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Verses 10 through 31 describe qualities that grew out of the woman’s love of God. Loving God as a central core value enables all of us, men and women, to grow in wisdom, service, and faithfulness. Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to reflect on our mothers and motherly influences, and to make it a point to tell these ladies how much they mean to us, or to reflect on the love of our mothers who are no longer with us.
I was not raised in a Christian home. My parents were very moral though, and taught us the difference between good and bad, and right from wrong. My mother did make sure that my siblings and I regularly attended Sunday School. I still have the years of perfect attendance pins. Those lessons planted seeds, and the Holy Spirit watered and nurtured those seeds until the day when, at the age of 18, I surrendered my life to Jesus. I thank my mom for instilling that discipline in me.
Eight years ago, on New Year’s Day, my mom was rushed to the hospital with a life-threatening breathing disorder. She lost her battle 16 days later. She divided her time in intensive care, palliative care, and hospice. During much of that time, she was able to talk with us. One night, she and I were together in her room. I shared with her what salvation meant to me. I asked her if she wanted to receive God’s gift through His Son. She accepted Jesus as her Savior that night.
It was only a couple of days later that she was transferred to hospice, and two days after that, God called her home. A death bed conversion is not ideal, simply because some people don’t have that opportunity. I am eternally grateful that my mom did experience the Holy Spirit. I know I will see her again.
To all of you ladies who are moms, daughters, sisters or grandmothers, thank you for the sacrifices you make for those around you. As it says in Proverbs 31:31, we honor you for all that your hands have done!
