Beech Tree News Network

Mother’s Day is next Sunday, and I’ve been thinking about how mothers influence their children. Someone said, “Each of us should appreciate what we have in our mothers. They are our teachers and our role models.” I’ve heard many say that mothers are our first teachers.

Numerous people have expressed opinions about mothers. One website (https://www.thoughtco.com/short-mothers-day-quotes-2832501) had a list of quotes. Some of those were:

·       The phrase 'working mother' is redundant. -Jane Sellman

·       An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy. -Spanish Proverb

·       A mother understands what a child does not say. -Jewish proverb

·       Mothers are all slightly insane. -J. D. Salinger

·       Raising a kid is part joy and part guerilla warfare. -Ed Asner

The things my mother taught me have become a part of me. Often something she said or taught when I was young will come to mind in a relevant present-day situation. I believe most mothers try to prepare their children for life. I asked family and friends, “What’s one thing your mother told you or taught you?” Their responses are listed below:

·       Respect your wife or girlfriend.

·       My mother drilled it into my head to get an education so that I would never, ever be dependent upon a man financially. She said no one can take education away from me, and with it, I am never “stuck.”

·       How to be a good Christian.

·       To always do what makes me happy because a miserable life is not the way to live. Happiness is key.

·       Not to be selfish and to treat others as you want to be treated.

·       Many things! She taught me that if I do something, to do it right or don’t do it at all.

·       Simple. To give more than you take and to always do what you say and be honest.

·       She taught me how to work hard for things I want. “Never think that it can’t be done. If you work hard enough, you can accomplish anything!” Like getting my own business started. She is my rock!

·       It doesn’t matter how clean your clothes are; if you have dirty shoes or dirty fingernails, you look dirty.

·       My mama is my rock. She has taught me more than I could ever say in a short answer. I went through a particularly hard time in my life last year, and I will never forget what she told me. She said, “Give God the glory for all that is good, and don’t let the devil claim a victory on your behalf.” Pretty powerful words that stuck with me and helped me remember the God I serve is much bigger than any problem I have.

·       To treat all women with respect.

·       She taught us that your priorities in life should be God, family, work. In that order. (There is just so much she taught us that I could write on this one for days.) But her “work” was also a passion, a calling. Something she also taught us – to find your calling in life and make it your life’s work.

·       She taught me to visit the ‘shut ins,’ she taught me to cook and she always asked if I had my Sunday school lesson.

·       Never depend on a man; stand on your own two feet.

·       You can do anything you set your mind to, no excuses. Always wear clean panties in case you have a wreck. No white before Easter or after Labor Day. Must wear a belt if there are belt loops. Smile and hide your crazy.

·       My mom taught me that life is much better when you’re able to laugh at yourself. We all mess up or have embarrassing moments; but if you can laugh at yourself, you will always be entertained!

·       My mom told us numerous things that still repeat in my head, but the two I remember her being the most serious about were (1) to get an education so we were never dependent on anyone and (2) to marry someone just as smart, or smarter, than we were, because marriage in the end is more about conversation. Our mom taught us everything, but I remember it being more by example.

·       Go to college. Wear clean panties in case you have a wreck.

·       She taught me to never give up and to always try my hardest.

·       Always wear clean underwear and a bra.

·       My mom told us girls to get a degree, work, and gain experience before starting a family. Assuming we would be married…. She also told us to use our income for savings and the non-essential fun purchases (wants, not needs). That way if we wanted to be able to stay at home with our children in the future, we would be prepared to live off of only one income, and we would have a financial backup plan if needed (sickness, death, divorce, etc.).

·       Mom told me to always be nice to everyone, because you don’t know what their lives are like nor the struggles they have.

·       My mom taught me that it is okay to make mistakes, but don’t let them define you. Of course, she taught me that there is nothing too big for God to handle. He is the only person that can ever love us unconditionally.

·       Always look for the good in everyone. Sometimes you have to look past the bad to see the good, but it’s there. God will get you through anything life throws your way. Be you! Don’t change for anyone.

·       Be the bigger person.

·       My mother-in-law taught me that a woman needs to wear lipstick in public!

Mother’s Day is a time to honor our mothers. And as the mother of three, motherhood – though a blessing – is not easy. So, thank you, Mom, for being such a good teacher.