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"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
-Proverbs 30:30-31
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As we celebrate Mother's Day today I'm reminded once more how fortunate I truly am. Few people on this earth has had as many positive experiences surrounding mothers and motherhood than I. I've had the distinct pleasure to have "three" mother-in-laws (not at the same time mind you. I did enjoy "Big Love" on HBO for a hot second but I'm not a practicing Mormon), besides no one can really say they have lived unless they've had three mother-in-laws in their lifetime. It's been great! (a smiley face with all teeth). Then there are the two ex-wives, ex-girlfriend, and my wife of 6 1/2 years that are the {mothers} to my "six" children, and lastly, there is my wonderful mother. You would think I would just stop here. But let's not... I'm having so much fun!
Mothers are special.
I think we would all agree with that statement. Many of us understand just how great and important our mothers are every day, not just on Mother's Day. Many a mother's greatness is evident to all daily. I think it's also important to recognize that mothers and grandmothers lost their lives in the past years and because of that this weekend can be a very difficult time for a lot of people. There are also children out there that didn't have a good relationship with their mother or don't know who their mother is. That is equally painful.
Days of recognition, such as Mother's Day, can be special, but they also can be a reminder of deep pain.
So with that, I wanted to honor the "mothers" in my life. To my 1st mother-in-law, Karen, thank you for being so good to Logan & Austin all these years, they're special men partly because of you, and thank you for treating me like a son the past 27 years. I always didn't deserve your love, and prayers, but you gave them to me anyway. Thank you. To my first wife, Tracy, thank you for raising our children to have a faith in God when I was incapable of doing so myself because My needs trumped everyone else's needs. I believed in God, but I didn't live a life that represented God's transformative power, thank you for showing the way daily to our children. I also want to thank you for always putting them first and never speaking poorly to them concerning me. I can never repay you for those two acts you've spent a lifetime displaying.
To my second mother-in-law, BT, though you are no longer with us, thank you for making your life about your children, their spouses, and your grandchildren. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself or behaved in a way that wouldn't merit confidence from anyone. To my second wife, Debi, thank you for making Bryce's future a priority "today". I could never have afforded to send our son to Columbus Academy for the past 12 years, but because of your sacrifice our son has a significant chance to experience some truly wonderful things in the future. Bryce is exceptional. Thank you for sacrificing your present for his future.
To Kelly, the mother of my precious Addison, thank you for always protecting and championing the relationship between me and our son. I appreciate it more than you know. I also want to thank you for giving him such great athletic genes. I know, I know I'm shocked too that I just said that. It was extremely difficult for me to type those words. A special thanks should be given to your Dad for Addison's athletic ability too, and to your mother for always giving me the benefit of the doubt. :)
Next, to my current mother-in-law, Terry, and the one I will be spending the rest of my life being her forever indebted son-in-law. I can't thank you enough for all the sacrifice and countless acts of kindness and love you have showered upon my family. Thank you of not holding my past against me. I realize that I'm not a mother-in-laws dream based on my track record. I could go on forever about all that you have done for us, for me, but it is the daughter you raised that I'm most thankful for. You raised a wonderful daughter that has made all the difference in my life. Thank you.
And then there was two.
First, my wife, Ronnie. Thank you for allowing God to use you in saving my life. From the the first time we met you showed concern for me. I still remember the first words you ever said to me; "you look so sad." To this day I still don't know whats more amazing, the fact that you were correct in your observation or that you cared enough to share with me your concern. Either way, I will never forget that moment. Thank you for loving our wonderful children, Ryan & Reese, and my children, with the same passion and compassion; care and consistency. You will never know how many times I lay my head on my pillow at night with tears in my eyes, and peace in my heart, because of who you are. Thank you for everything. I have no desire to live life without you… ever.
And then there is my mother, the spiritual patriarch of our family. Because of you there will be generation(s) of believers in God that will have the last name Bailey. Thank you for living out your faith in deed more than in word. Proverbs 31: 30 states; "...a women who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." Thank you Mom for always putting our family second only to your devotion and faith in Jesus Christ. Thank you, thank you very much. I love you and I praise you.
Truth be told every encounter with each of these women has {not} been great. I'm sure your not just now figuring that out. I've hurt each one of these women more than {they} deserve and I have been forgiven more than {I} deserve. For that I'm grateful and humbled. It is difficult for me to forgive myself for my many examples of poor behavior.
Finally, God said that it was not good for man to be alone. God understood man's need, and because of this He made a companion that would "help" him. And though Eve was to be Adam's companion in a husband/wife relationship, I believe that Eve represents the true character of every women. A {nature} that, when accepted and expressed correctly, thinks of others before it thinks of it self. It is the women's God-given nature that is the one quality that separates women from everything and everyone on this earth. At the end of the day, {Women} have the ability to do more than make a difference.
They are the difference.
Finally, God said that it was not good for man to be alone. God understood man's need, and because of this He made a companion that would "help" him. And though Eve was to be Adam's companion in a husband/wife relationship, I believe that Eve represents the true character of every women. A {nature} that, when accepted and expressed correctly, thinks of others before it thinks of it self. It is the women's God-given nature that is the one quality that separates women from everything and everyone on this earth. At the end of the day, {Women} have the ability to do more than make a difference.
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