She is the peacemaker. In a family of dominant, aggressive personalities, she’s the calm in the storm. She’s the nurturer. In a world of pain and disappointment, she’s the warm embrace in the cold. She’s the listener. In an abundance of self-indulgence, she’s the ear in the loudness.

My mama. There’s great value in a Christian woman. I’ve never known what its like not to be loved, because my mother has never failed to show it. I don’t appreciate her enough. Good Christian mamas are hard to come by these days. I grew up on my knees, saying my prayers every night. She was patient. I tried to pray for everyone and everything from fourth cousins to the doorknobs. I prayed for every baby doll and stuffed animal. I’ve always been a detail kind of person.

I know what love looks like because I’ve seen it in the sacrifices Mama has made for me, my sister and Daddy. Selfish is the last word I would use to describe her. And she’s good at everything. Seriously. I’m a pretty tough critic, but she passes the test. She can paint murals, sew on buttons, knit a scarf, decorate anything to look like “Southern Living,” sing, whistle like a bird, play the piano, cook like nobody’s business, tell you anything about a flower, quote Scripture – all while keeping the house sparkling. I may not be able to knit or sew, but I aspire to cook like my mama. I’m convinced she and my Momo are the best cooks in Lincoln County. And I’m picky.

My mama’s a great role model. She’s also blonde, like my sister, and stereotypically, they say things sometimes that will have me and Daddy rolling. I would share, but I’m afraid I’ll get a look when she reads this. Love you, Mama.

Mama has always made me feel safe. When Mama’s there, I know whatever happens, it’s going to be OK. I hope I make my future children feel the same. I hope, like her, I know the value of spending time with them and playing with them. I hope I make cover houses and wipe every tear. I hope to pray for them every day and put them in the Lord’s hands, having faith that He will take care of them. I hope I read texts for hours, helping them through tough situations. I hope I tell them when they’re dating a weirdo. I hope I leave work to drive to Belk because they’re having a mental breakdown over a wedding registry. I hope I’m like my mama.

Today, I hope you appreciate your mama or remember the woman she was. Mamas have to put up with a lot. I realize some people didn’t grow up with a mama like mine. I also realize that we have a heavenly Father, waiting to nurture those who will be called His children. He’s been there for me when Mama couldn’t. He’s given me strength, comfort and joy that she couldn’t. There’s nobody like Mama. But, there’s also nobody like Jesus.

Hope you have a blessed Mother’s Day. And don’t forget to help her with the dishes after lunch! There was a mother once who had cooked a big meal for her family on Mother’s Day. She was pleasantly surprised when her teenage daughter said, “Mama, you don’t have to do the dishes today.” She smiled at the kindness of her daughter, when her daughter finished, “They’ll keep until tomorrow.” (I stole that from my Daddy. Maybe he won’t use it in church today.)

My advice for this Mother’s Day: take your mama out to eat!

Lifestyles Editor Jessica Boyd can be reached at The Daily Leader at 601-833-6961 ext. 134, by email at jessica.boyd@dailyleader.com or you can write to her at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602.