In light of this month's Girls United focus on family, I am re-posting an article I wrote months ago that addresses the critical need for strong mothers:

I've recently seen two of my best friends enter a new stage in their lives: motherhood. It's an interesting paradigm shift to see someone you've experienced so much life with bring another life into the world. But I am confident that both will rise to meet every challenge that comes along in parenting with patience, wisdom, and most importantly, love. I am confident about this because I am confident about their relationships with Christ.

I have seen both of these godly ladies chase hard after Christ for as long as I've known them, and I have no doubt that both of these beautiful children will grow up watching their mothers continue that chase. Although they are too young to realize how blessed they truly are, I believe one day they will "rise up and call their mothers blessed."

I know that is the cry of my heart as we approach Mother's Day, for I truly have a mother that deserves to be praised. Having served in the areas of girls' and women's ministry now for almost ten years, I truly understand the significance of having a godly mother. I have seen the tragic consequences that often result when mothers do not live up to their responsibilities, and I am so blessed to have a mother that still lives up to hers every day. I thank God for giving me a Mama who loves me and taught me how to love Him.

Born and raised in Georgia, my Mama is a southern lady in every sense. She knows how to put together the perfect outfit and still pinch pennies in the process. She knows how to make her house a home where everyone feels welcome, and she knows how to love my father in such a way that he's a better man because she is in his life.

Mama has worked hard at every job she has ever had - whether that was homemaker, sharecropper, or bank teller - and she has loved people every place she has worked. Every co-worker and customer who has crossed her path has benefited from her gift of mercy.

Even though she has excelled in every workplace, I am sure she would tell you that her greatest effort and energy has always been dedicated to the role of "Mama" (and Mimi). In my heart, I know that a day does not pass without a prayer leaving her lips for me, my brothers, our spouses, and my beautiful niece. She's been faithful to encourage us in the dark days and to celebrate with us in the bright ones. When we were children, she held our hands to guide us away from danger and kissed our wounds when we still managed to find harm's way. When we were teenagers, she spent countless hours sitting on bleachers at high school football games just so she could see us march in a fifteen-minute halftime show. And now that we have crossed into the years of adulthood, she is supporting us still as we pursue God's call on our lives. All three of us are actively serving in ministry, impacting lives for the kingdom every day.

That's the legacy of a godly Mama...that the world today (and the eternity to come) has been changed for the better because of the ripple effect of her investment in our lives. That's why I can only pray that God will raise up more godly Mama's - the world sure needs them.