What I Learned From My Mother

Rhema TeamMay 2020 WOFLeave a Comment

Sunday, May 13, 1945, Mary Ella Tipton, a faithful pastor’s wife, was not in church. It was also Mother’s Day. She was in the hospital giving birth to me! I often joked that I was the best Mother’s Day present she ever received. But I was the one who received much from her.

Even though she passed away in 2011, I still reflect on my years with my mother and realize her influence. She constantly told me, “Keep your head high, and look people in the eye.” Mother knew that two characteristics of low self-esteem were walking with your head down and avoiding direct eye contact. She wanted her children to know that with God’s help, we could be successful and stand tall. When my mother was being photographed, it would amuse me to hear the photographer say, “Lower your head a little.” She always held her head high.

My mother taught me more by example than instruction. By observing her, I learned to be a caretaker and protector. It seemed like her potato soup was the right antidote for any ailment. It started the healing process to settle any symptom. When a storm came, she would drag me out of bed and take me to our neighbor’s storm cellar. She always took care of our family.

Another example my mother portrayed was that of a homemaker. She loved to cook and taught me the importance of preparing meals. She always set a beautiful table. I never saw a paper plate or cooking pot on it! We sat down to china, cloth napkins, and placemats on a tablecloth.

Humor and not dwelling on her age kept her thinking young, even in her 90s.
Lynette Hagin

She didn’t sit me down and give lessons on cooking and table-setting techniques. I watched her and desired to follow her example. When I asked what I could do to help in the kitchen, then she began to instruct me.

My mother showed me the importance of daily spending time with the Lord. Each morning I saw her reading her Bible and praying. Whatever happened, she assured us that God was the one to turn to.

I watched her write out the family tithe and offering checks, and she always had a lesson on the importance of giving. Through her, I learned that when you obey God’s commandments, you place yourself in a position to be blessed.

One of the greatest gifts my mother left me was her example as a minister’s wife. I saw her stand beside my dad, just as committed to the ministry as he was. She never complained of the sacrifices required. She was my father’s greatest friend, fan, and supporter. It helped me fit easily into the role I assumed in my husband’s ministry.

My mother never lost her sense of humor, nor did she consider herself old. She often said, “If you want to stay young, hang around young people.” She would tell the story of someone asking for her identification to make sure she qualified for the senior citizen discount—she was around 80 years old! Humor and not dwelling on her age kept her thinking young, even in her 90s.

I encourage you to take time to do something special for your mother. Express gratitude for all she has done for you. Don’t wait until it’s too late for her to hear your kind words.

Mothers Are Miracles

A mother is more than an average person—she is a miracle! She can become anything she needs to be. When a knee is scraped or a fever appears, a mom becomes a nurse. She can be a cook, maid, taxi driver, referee, and timekeeper—all in a matter of minutes! Mothers are menders—clothes, broken toys, bike chains, and other things that come loose in life—but most often, she mends a child’s broken heart.

A mom makes you feel like you can do anything. Yet, she reminds you that you are loved without having to do anything at all. She believes in you when everyone else has given up and motivates you to pursue your dreams.

Thank God for the miracle of motherhood!


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Lynette Hagin

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