My sister-in-law asked for me to share scripture at my mother-in-law’s funeral. I typed it into Word press as I pieced together what God was putting on my heart to say. This blog was started almost 5 years ago out of the grief of my father and it continues to provide tremendous healing as God helps me type through life’s journey. Our Mother is and will be so deeply missed.
Proverbs 31 is the first scripture that came to mind when Lisa asked me to read scripture today. God’s word eloquently describes a woman of virtue and noble character. Jody fits so well into this scripture.
Proverbs 31:10-3110 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
There are so many memories and examples that can be shared about Jody. Her love and care for her husband, children and grandchildren. How she was always making something special from stained glass, barbie doll clothes, to crochet baby blankets. She welcomed me as her own daughter into the Lucas family. For the sake of time I narrowed down to one special memory and lesson learned from Jody.
When Mike and I bought our first home the entire house needed paint and all the carpet ripped out. It was disgusting. She had a day that she could come and help me with painting. She was the expert trim painter extraordinaire with her very special brush. (there are a few stories of her painting capabilities out there) She chose the hardest room to work on with a deep, dark, dried mustard color with the carpet to match no less. She worked so hard and we shared several stories and giggles as the day went on. My dad was also a painter and used tape. Jody taught me the art of no tape just keep your wet rag handy. Now my own painting is a combo of their teaching tips. As the time she had to help came to an end she kept apologizing that she did not get much done and felt like she didn’t help much. She was 66 years old at this time and was a tremendous help. The thing is looking back I really can’t remember how much she got done or even how “perfect” it was. What I remember is that she was there. Jody was there for all of us, helping, caring, and cheering what ever the need was she was there. A true life lesson her life has taught me is that what is important is that we are THERE for our family, friends, and people in need. The details aren’t so much important as our presence.
Parenting in so many ways, especially a parent like Jody, reflects that same kind of love our Heavenly Father has shown to each and everyone of us. Despite our imperfections, despite our sin God sent His own Son Jesus into the world to give his very life for us. AS parents we aren’t always happy with our children’s choices. There are some pretty funny stories of times Jody wasn’t happy with her kids behavior, but she was there still loving and guiding. God desires nothing more than to welcome us all into His family through His Son Jesus no matter who we are or what we have done. He wants to be there for every single one of us. Through the happy times and the sad times in our lives. Most importantly He longs to welcome us one day into our heavenly home with him.
A mother’s love is a beautiful picture of sacrifice doing all that she can for her beautiful babies. Jody’s love for her children was the very core of who she was.
I will close with a final scripture about the love of Jesus for us.
Romans 8:34-39
34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[a]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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