8 Things My Mother Taught Me

1.       Kill them with kindness.

My mother has always known I was her outspoken child. Holding my tongue was one thing I was not good at. I’m sure I kept her on her knees about my mouth but she constantly reminded me that I would gain nothing by returning hate with hate. “Kill ‘em with kindness” she’d said.

2.       Prayer

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16 KJV

If I didn’t know anything else she taught me I that I needed to know how to get a prayer through. She was not always going to be around to intercede on my behalf. Although scary to think about, I’m grateful for that because I realize that life is precious and I need my own relationship with God.

3.       Love is action.

I can hear my mom saying this now! I was always and still am the one hugging and kissing my mom telling her how much I love her and in return she says “love is action.” I don’t know that I understood what that truly meant when I was younger or maybe I didn’t care to but now as an adult I feel that in my SOUL! Want to know how to love me? Take care of me – wash my car, pick up the kids from school, cook dinner and clean the kitchen! Now that’s love!

4.       Love your sister.

My sister and I are 5 years apart, so naturally we had the sibling rivalry thing going on and it didn’t help that we were girls. I wanted to be like my big sister and she wasn’t having that. My mother constantly reminded us that life is precious and we need to hold on to each other.

5.       Take time to get to know him.

I know she wishes she could have engraved that in my head! I was often too trusting of people because I believe that everyone deserves a fair chance. Now, I get it. I’m sorry mama, lol.

6.       Tough Love

Rightly so, I was the wild child. My mom knew she had to show me tough love at some point. She knew I was stubborn and needed to learn some hard lessons. She allowed me to fall on my face a time or two. She told me to suck it up more than I would have like to hear but I needed that!

7.       Everyone is NOT your friend.

I have lost count on how many times I’ve heard this growing up. My mom always wanted us to keep a watchful eye because everyone does not have your best interest at heart but when you encounter a real friend hold on to them.

8.       How to be a mom

I may never be half the mom that she is. She’s kind, patient, and loving. She would move heaven and earth for her children and wouldn’t think twice about it.

As I reflect, I see how much we’ve both changed since I’ve become a mom. I was her baby having baby. She’s held my hand, cried with me, prayed for me loved my babies as if they were her own. She’s watched me grow into the mother I am today. For that I’m forever grateful.

Wishing you the best Mother’s Day yet!

*All images by Denise Benson Photography