It as been said, “A picture is worth a thousand
words.” Since I don’t have room in this
newsletter for a thousand words—and you might not take the time to read them—I
will paint a picture of this Biblical principle: a virtuous woman is a rare
jewel; a godly mother is of exquisite worth.
I found one in 1973—a treasure called Marilyn Crayton—who on August 24,
1974 became Marilyn Thurman. Then in
1978, she became a mother with the arrival of the first of five children. Her portrait in words will be framed by an
acrostic of her name.
M—is for model.
She will be embarrassed to read this, of course—and she will quickly
deny it, giving you all kinds of reasons why she is not that great a
mother. She isn’t perfect, but Marilyn
is a model which every young woman would be wise to emulate. Her daughters are following her pattern, and
by my admittedly prejudiced opinion, are virtuous women as well.
A—is for Alert.
Marilyn has radar—a remarkable intuitive ability. The kids will tell you she has eyes in the
back of her head. She is ever aware of
dangers to the family and opportunities for good. She has been an invaluable source of help in
decision-making to me due to this quality. Her diligent study of the Word of
God and sensitivity to the Spirit of God are the root of this.
R—is for Real.
I don’t know a person more real than Marilyn. She is what she is and you know where she
stands. There is not a shred of pretense. She hates subterfuge. Marilyn is so transparent. You don’t have to wonder what she’s thinking. You can read her like a book.
I—is for Intercessor. There is no telling where I would be if not
for the faithful, fervent prayers of my wife.
She regularly cries out to God on behalf of our family and flock. There have been times I have awakened in the
night to hear her whispering passionate prayers. When the “spiritual” preacher may want to
collapse in slumber, she will often say, “Let’s pray.”
L—is for Loving.
Since Marilyn pledge her love to me, I have never doubted it for a
moment. She declares it and demonstrates
it in a myriad of ways on a daily basis.
Her love for her children and grandchildren is so intense that you had
rather try to rob a mama bear of her cubs than do something to her family. All this flows from her love for the Lord.
She loves people.
Y—is for Yielded. She follows the Biblical command
to yield to my leadership. She doesn’t
hesitate to express her opinion, but when the final call must be made she
defers to me. Only one exception would
be possible—her final allegiance is to Christ.
She is surrendered to Him.
N—is for Near.
She is not omnipresent as the Lord, but she stands by her man. I know that some of you reading this are
single or single again—and this partnership is something you crave or now
miss. If the Lord tarries His coming,
one of us will likely slip away first and what a sorrowful thought! For now, I just want to squeeze out every
minute with her in this frantic life.
To all the women out there—let me challenge you to
be virtuous. For each wife, may I urge
you to be godly. To each mother who
models holiness, I say, “Happy Mother’s Day!”
Men and children, heed the Biblical injunction:
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
Her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:28-30 NKJV)
But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:28-30 NKJV)
