2019-05 Moms and Heroes

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her”
-Proverbs 31:25-28

These are the characteristics of Godly mothers. In the month of May, we celebrated them on Mother’s Day and will pay tribute to our country’s fallen heroes on Memorial Day. There are endless tributes, poems, and quotes about these most special women. The late Billy Graham said, “Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.”

It is estimated that more than 120 million phone calls to Mom are made on Mother’s Day. It is the third most popular holiday in the world, behind only Christmas and Easter and the busiest day of the year for the restaurant industry. Any holiday can be trying for anyone who has lost a loved one but with such an emphasis on Mother’s Day with reminders everywhere you look, it can be especially trying for those grieving the death of a mother as well as for mothers grieving the death of a child.

Remember that her love will be with you forever even though she cannot be with you in the flesh. And try to imagine what she would say to you; how she would be encouraging you to live fully. Imagine how she would comfort you as only a mother can. She is cheering you on as she always did.

And, of course, the Lord is with you and understands your grief. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Lean on Him so that He can heal your broken heart. He loves you and understands every emotion, every step forward, and every setback in your grief process. His love for you will not change even as your emotions may.

As we go through this month, let’s continue to celebrate our moms who are still with us and those who have passed on and remember to honor the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom not just this month but always and most importantly, remember the King of Kings and Lord of Lords whose sacrifice gives us the opportunity to conquer death and receive eternal life.

The Ritchie & Johnson staff prays for favor and blessings over you and your loved ones. We encourage you to email us through our Contact page or call us at (304) 252-4115 if you have questions or need our assistance.

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