What a mess the world would be without all of our mothers! Mothers are the backbone of our families, our country, and this world! My life would not be where it is without my godly mother and the powerful influence of my wife! In honor of Mother’s Day, I could go on and on about my wife, however, I pray you would indulge me by allowing me to share some special thoughts about my dear mother. Hopefully, this will inspire you to use the opportunity Mother’s Day affords to be a blessing to your own dear mother. 

At 94 years of age, my mama, Rosella Wilder, took an eternal flight to heaven on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at 5:24 AM. My mama lived on this earth as a woman of faith and noble character! With a longing to fulfill God’s purpose on earth, she passionately pressed on day by day in prayer, love, and with a humble servant’s heart! She reared 20 children, plus many more foster children! Most every day of my childhood started with Bible reading, prayer, and worship as the whole family was led towards Jesus by my mother and father. My mother was an example of love, faithfulness, submission, and a pure heart! She shared Jesus wherever she went. She purposefully prayed for and intentionally loved people she knew needed a hug from Jesus. I can honestly say she was one in a million! 

Proverbs 31 adequately describes the woman that she was! 

Proverbs 31:10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 

Proverbs 31:25-31 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 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.  

My mama ran her race with excellence! She feared God by diligently honoring him in all she did. Hours before she flew away, I told my brother Dave that I could hear the heavenly jet engines revving. I knew it was time for her to go to her reward, so many tears of pride and joy – so many tears of celebration for her promotion into the loving arms of Jesus! Being near her in this time was an experience of beauty, glory, and wonder! Wow! I am deeply honored to be one who could call Rosella Wilder, mama! 

Mama, I love you with all of my heart! You did it! You ran your race and finished strong! You are an inspiration to all moms who choose the life of Jesus, the life of a humble servant! I still have moments of tears, but they are not tears of sorrow but rather tears of sincere joy! The thought of Jesus holding you in his arms surpasses the sadness of not being with you face-to-face! I deeply miss you and think about you often, but I am so excited to know how loved and blessed you are now! 

Happy Mother’s Day Mama! 

 Forever a son who is proud of you, 

 Arthur