Mom,

You continually go out of your way to encourage and serve other people. Today, I want to encourage you instead. A lot of people say their Mom is the strongest woman they know. While that may be true for them, you truly are the strongest woman that most people know. You handle every single trial with so much grace, dignity, strength, and love. When I think of the woman, wife, mother, and friend I want to be, I think of you. The Lord's love is radiant through you and shines onto every single person you encounter. You live out a Proverbs 31 lifestyle and never fail to set an incredible example for me. Although I could point out how you live out every single verse, here are a few that stick out to me.

"She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family, and portions for her female servants." Proverbs 31:15

You have shown me what it looks like to provide for a family. Through the years, I have watched you wake up at 5am just to make an amazing breakfast for everyone before sports tournaments or practices. You get up to pack lunches, clean, and whatever else needs to be done. You by no means have to do that, but you choose to, even if it means sacrificing your own schedule and sleep. Your servants heart is one of the qualities I admire most about you.

"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value." Proverbs 31:11

Dad, I love you, but you would not be the man that you are today without your incredible wife. Mom, you serve your husband without fail. You are always there to help and be his right hand. You have shown me the extremely vital role a woman plays in a man's life and how to serve a family well. I know that your marriage struggles sometimes, as any marriage does. However, quitting is never an option. Thank you for being so faithful to Dad and showing your kids what an incredibly faithful marriage looks like. Even when things are not easy, you stand by your husband and in doing that, have given me an example of a godly marriage and wife I can never repay you for.

"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." Proverbs 31:16

This verse suggests that a Proverbs 31 woman thinks before she acts and prays about every situation before acting and investing herself in something. You are always thinking about how to help your family, friends, and neighbors. You do nothing out of foolish impulse and truly put things at the feet of God before acting on them yourself. Thank you for showing me what it looks like to make prayer the utmost priority before any action.

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." Proverbs 31:17

Not only did you devote years to your education, but you run a successful business along with being a full time wife, friend, mother. You also lead bible studies, play on multiple tennis teams, volunteer every week, ect..... honestly how do you even have time to do all of that?!?! You're literally superwoman. You handle everything on your plate with so much grace and love, giving all you have to every person you come in contact with. You work faithfully to serve everyone around you, while getting done everything you need to that day.

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26

Problem? Call Mom. Need advice? Call Mom. Bad day? Call Mom. Good day? Call Mom. Your best friends friend needs advice? They call my Mom. You hand out advice like it's candy. Seriously. I don't know how you have so much wisdom and always offer perfect advice for every situation possible. Thank you for showing me how to encourage my friends with truth and for showing me how to love people through words and listening.

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Prov 31:29

... you truly do surpass them all, Mom. Thank you again for leading your family so very well. My world would be dark without you. You're my rock, best friend, and undoubtably the person I love the most in this world. You're everything to me. Thank you again for everything, it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Love you forever,

Your daughter