While Mother was carrying me, she came down with measles. The doctors told her that the likelihood of birth defects were high. Abortion might even be necessary. Mother never gave it a thought.

As a child, I had severe asthma. A number of times I was at death’s door. It was on one of those occasions when Mother prayed “Hannah’s prayer” and gave me to the Lord’s ministry. Although she did not tell me about this until after I made public the call of God on my life, she knew in her heart that I already belonged to God.

When I was a little boy, Mother prayed with me every night. She and Dad went with me to church. I never heard God’s name in vain, saw alcohol as a beverage or feared for divorce in my home.

My childhood years were wonderful with godly and caring parents. Sadly, I succumbed to temptation and was rebellious in my youth. During that time, Mother never ceased to pray for me. At 17, I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior greatly due to my mother’s prayers and witness.

Mother is a strong-willed woman. She was only a teenager when she lost her mother. She put herself through school and became a registered nurse. With that type of drive, you would expect her to be a militant feminist. On the contrary, Mother through the help of God and the strength of will “graciously submitted” to the spiritual and domestic leadership of Dad. Dad was laid back. Sometimes she had to practice a little “holy” prompting. She never crossed the line in their relationship.

Now, Mother is a widow. Health is a challenge. She has never complained. She lives several hundred miles away from me. I talk with her almost every day. The Scriptures ring truthful as always. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. ? Her children arise up, and call her blessed.” (Proverbs 31:10, 28)

A woman’s role is never to be minimized. God’s plan is the best. We cannot do any better. Doing anything else would be less.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mother! ? And thanks once again for being what God wanted you to be.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Richards’ mother is gravely ill at the time of this publication. Please pray for her and the family during this time.