Mother's Day at Changi Corps

Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in America. She then began a campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the United States. Although she was successful in 1914, she was already disappointed with its commercialization by the 1920s. Jarvis' holiday was adopted by other countries and it is now celebrated all over the world.

My wife and I were invited to conduct the meeting at our Changi Church on this special day. Good to hear testimonies from children, youth and adults about their mothers.

It seems to be the done thing for a woman to preach on Mother's Day, but we decided to do differently. She gave the message last year at Changi, so this year, she led the meeting and I preached. I expounded on Proverbs 31: 10- 31. "A Model Mother"

Proverbs says much about women, and it is fitting that this book concludes with a picture and tribute to a woman of noble character. This woman has outstanding abilities, her family's social standing is high. The writer is giving a composite picture portrait of ideal womanhood.

The message was divided into three subtitles.

HER WORTH
'A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.' 10 Obviously she is a godly lady and her strength lies in her inward beauty. She fears that is reverential fear of God. she would refrain from doing anything against God's will. God counts her worthy, and so does her husband and family.


HER WORKS
For her husband. 'Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.' (11 & 12) A perfect marriage.

For her family. 'Her children arise and call her blessed' (11)
Here's a woman who does not sleep till 10.00 a.m. but rises when it is still dark to see to her family. She is not just a homemaker, but a business lady as well.

For her neighbours. 'She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.' (20) She is caring and opens her arms wide to welcome others. She reaches out to people.

HER WORDS.
She speaks positively. She is no gossip. 'She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.' Obviously she is kind and diplomatic. The words of this woman comes from a heart totally dedicated to God. She is a Spirit filled woman.
 
The message is not just for Mothers, but for all to emulate.  'I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.' Galatians 2: 20