Mother’s Day, 2020: a day set aside to recognize the great influence and impact of moms in our lives. The old saying is true, “the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world”. I would like to take a moment to tell the story of 3 moms who have influenced my life. These moms are/were pastors’ wives, they each raised 3 children and they all have the last name of Clark.
First would be my mom, Maxine Clark. She met my dad as a college student at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. They got married, raised 3 boys, and they pastored several churches in the Midwest. My mom was a great support to my dad and a wonderful pastor’s wife. The Lord called her home at the age of 50, in October of 1979.
Next would be my stepmom, Gloria Clark. Gloria’s first husband died of a massive heart attack at the age of 39, leaving Gloria to be a widow and single mother of 3 young girls. Gloria and my dad met through a mutual pastor friend and were married in August of 1981. Gloria has been a great encouragement to my dad in ministry as well as a mom to 6 children in their blended family. She also is the grandmother to 16 grandchildren plus their spouses, and the great-grandmother to 13 great-grandchildren.
Last but not least, my wife, Diane. She has been a great encourager to me in our almost 40 years of ministry, as well as a wonderful mom to our 3 sons and their spouses. She has been a great encourager and prayer-warrior for our 4 grandsons, as well.
Proverbs 31 gives a lengthy description of the ‘virtuous woman’ … the writer closes the Chapter with these words –
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household… 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. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Proverbs 31:25-31