There is a children's book titled Is Your Mama a Llama? The main character in the story is a young llama. He encounters different animals and each time asks the same question, "Is your mama a llama?" The animals each say no and then tell specific things about their mamas. For example, the bat says his mama "sleeps in a cave. Is that how a llama would behave?" The young llama is able to guess each animal by how they behave.
I thought of this story and my own mama. If the young llama were to ask me if my mama was a llama, I would be able to proudly say,
My mama is trustworthy. She does only good our family. She works willingly with her hands and gives to the poor and needy. She rises before the family in order to prepare for the day. She provides for our family, making sure we have what we need (along with what we want). She exudes strength and honor and rejoices in the Lord. She demonstrates kindness and wisdom. She never sits idly by. Her family loves her and praises her for her works. She will one day see the fruits of her labor and will be praised by Him in His gates. Is that how a llama would behave?
I'm so blessed to be able to describe my mom this way. Just like the animals in the story, she is known by her works and deeds, and they illustrate a Godly, Christian woman. The Proverbs 31 woman is a demonstration of what we all strive for. I'm so blessed to be able to look at my own mom and see those exact virtues and characteristics.
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
Proverbs 31:10-31 (KJV)
So just 1 question…is YOUR mama a llama?
Happy Mothers Day, 2012
