Today is my mother’s 87th birthday. I had the chance to visit with her yesterday. We had a great time.

Everyone wants to know how she’s doing.

She had a little scare in June that sent us hurrying home to check on her, but she has recovered nicely and is doing well. For the most part, she really doesn’t have any major physical problems. For that and for so many other things, we are very grateful.

I think my brother Vance would agree with me that our mother (we call her Mama) had an amazing impact on our lives. She was the oldest child of a profoundly faithful Christian family. My grandparents exhibited the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives. When I read Galatians 5:22-23, I can’t help but think of them: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Against such there is no law.” They were loving, joyful, peaceful, and kind people.

They really had an effect on me because they were so positive, especially my grandmother. Mama Wallace had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to tell funny stories about herself–self-deprecating humor as we would call it today.

My grandparents looked for the best in life and the best in others. They were positive, happy people.

My mother is just like them.

My mother led me to Christ, telling me to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). She taught me Scripture by applying it to everyday life.

At what was at that time the lowest point of my life, she explained how God “works all things together for good to those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). If I knew that verse, it hadn’t made sense to me before then. After she explained it, it has helped me through every difficulty I’ve ever experienced.

I thank God for my mother and for faithful mothers over the world.

Happy birthday, Mama!

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