I would have to say that my mother emulates the Proverbs 31 Woman in so many ways.

She is influential, strong and carries herself with dignity. She has always been a woman of her word and expects the same of everyone else. She consistently gives to others, often until there is nothing left for herself.

She is naturally beautiful and takes care to present her best self whenever she leaves the house, wearing the best classic looks she could afford.

When we were children, my mother always put my two younger sisters and me first, even though she was also a career woman and a busy wife for much of that time. Fortunately, because she was a teacher, we had her to ourselves when we got home from school everyday. We were involved in everything from chorus to band...pageants and talent competitions...and mom was there time after time, without fail.

Mom has consistently been an exceptionally hard worker. Those of us around her were driven to exhaustion just watching! But believe me, we weren't "just watching" often, because she made us complete our chores to near-perfection. She kept an immaculate, pristine house and still does.

Our mother raised us in church and we were very involved there too: children's choirs, youth choirs, young-adult choirs, Junior Missionaries, "Buds" (little-girl ushers) etc. I suppose she felt, the busier we were doing good, the less time we'd have for mischief. (We managed to get into a little, though.)

I attribute that upbringing with birthing the relationship that I have with Jesus Christ, today. And I will always appreciate her example.

While no woman is perfect, my mother came pretty close. God's grace covered the rest.

I can certainly "rise up and call her blessed"!