The person least appreciated in many families is the mother. I’ve experienced life enough to say with confidence and conviction that motherhood is a very tough, demanding, challenging and self-sacrificing assignment. Actually, motherhood is a special calling… a godly calling that is prescribed and greatly blessed by God.
 
Although my mother, Emilie, was illiterate and unknown by the world at large, she will always be an outstanding hero in my life. She was a woman of quiet confidence… competent and courageous in the exercise of her parenting partnership with my dad.
 
Emilie was a woman who calmly took everything that life threw at her… patiently persevering to overcome every challenge and obstacle that came her way in the exercise of her motherly care. With poise, she stood her ground until her very last breath.
 
Proverbs 31:10-31 says much about my mother, and other noble mothers. Using the Proverbs text as a guide, I testify to you with sincerity and honesty, without exaggeration, reasons why Emilie was a good mother…a precious woman… a woman worth far more than diamonds!
 
My dad, Michael, trusted my mother without reserve, and never had reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treated my dad generously all her life.
 
Common to many Australian immigrants, our family was financially disadvantaged and struggled for a number of years. During that time Emilie developed a skill for shopping wisely, looking for cost-saving bargains. Her day usually began before dawn, preparing breakfast for our seven-member family and organising her day.  She was thrifty…budgeted wisely and made whatever she could to save a little more.
 
First thing in the morning, she would dress for work, roll-up her sleeves, eager to get into the day. She appreciated the worth of her work and did what was necessary without complaint to complete her tasks. She became highly skilled in the management of our home and family.
 
Emilie was quick to assist young mothers in need and showed compassion to the less-advantaged close to her. She didn’t worry about our family in the harsh climate of Sydney-living… providing dad, my four siblings and me. with sensible and serviceable clothing.
 
Ever-conscious of the high cost of living, Emilie made most of her own clothes… they were colorful, well-made and elegant. She was a woman who faced tomorrow with a smile. During many evenings when members of our family were resting, she machine-sewed hundreds of shirts for a local clothing manufacturer to earn a little extra money.  
 
Mum quietly supported Dad through thick and thin – He was greatly respected by our family, close friends and work associates.
 
Whenever Emilie spoke, she had something worthwhile to say, conveying her thoughts in a kind and loving manner. She coached everyone in our family, motivating and inspiring us to be honest, busy and productive. My siblings and I highly respected our mother and my dad praised her with these words: “Emilie, many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!”
 
Friends, charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The mother to be admired and praised is the mother who lives in the fear-of-God and who loves and lives for her family.
 
In closing, I appeal to husbands and children of every family: Give your wives/mothers more than they deserve! Love them and honor them with never-ending praises. Because of the self-less devotion and dedication of our mothers we are/can be better people!
 
To all mothers of the world… You are highly-esteemed, a special gift to us from God! We love you and thank God for you.
 
Bill