Dear Mama**

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value......She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.....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. "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:10-31 (portions)

This passage of scripture makes me think of my mama. She has always been there for me and our family. She gives selflessly to those in need, and if she's not at home or work, she's usually doing one thing or another for her church.

She instilled in me good Christian values, and I never questioned her love for me. Sure, there were times when I felt that some of her rules were too strict. Or times when I hated the response, "If everyone was jumping off a bridge, would you?" But, looking back, I am 100% thankful for her direction in my life. It may have seemed tough growing up, but it's made me who I am today and I would not change that.

So, as Mother's Day approaches, I look back at all my mama has done and sacrificed for me and I am truly thankful. On Sunday we'll celebrate Mother's Day, but I don't think celebrating my mother is something that should be relegated to just one day out of the year. After all, she deserves so much more.

Thanks, Mama for the woman that you are and the influence you have been in my life. I love you!

**You didn't actually think I was going to quote Tupac, did you?