A Mother’s Gift

One of the greatest gifts in this universe is the gift of a godly mother. I was blessed to have such a mother. Mrs. Leila HoShing was always a full-time mom.

She mothered ten biological children and still found time to mother many others who needed a mother’s help. Mama, as we affectionately called her, was always at home attending to the domestic needs of her large family.

She always hummed or sang a hymn as she worked.

As a young child, I wondered if Mama could ever get tired because it appeared that she was always so very busy. Mama seldom got sick —strength and excellent health were among her blessings; it is no wonder that she lived ninety-three years! Mama was very God-fearing. Her private devotional life has left the most indelible images on my mind. I can still see her in my mind’s eye diligently reading her Bible very early each morning. Her favorite Bible passage was Psalm 27. She memorized it and allowed its message to order her life. I still remember her carefully chosen quiet place, where she took delight in meeting with God day after day. As a young child, I lovingly observed and admired her devotional life—and oh, how I longed to be like her! I think this was her greatest impact on my life. Mama was devoted to whatever she was engaged in.

Humanly speaking, I think my mother had reason to be unhappy because having more than ten children and being a full-time mother must have been challenging, yet Mama had a cheerful spirit. She was industrious, generous, thoughtful, kind, and always singing about Jesus’ love! I am a grandmother now, and I find that even in my senior years, I still practice nearly everything my mother modeled to me as a child.

Children indeed live what they learn.

My mother passed this earthly life and now awaits the second coming of Jesus. I eagerly look forward to meeting with Mama again when we will never ever part. “Her children rise up and call her blessed... But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised... And let her own works praise her in the gates” (Proverbs 31:28–31, NKJV).

Jacqueline Hope HoShing-Clarke