Mothers need to be praised. A mother who knows she is valued can handle almost anything. She has the skill and energy to cook, sew, teach, do business, care for her family, help the needy, and deal with difficulties. But if a woman is never praised, she will feel unloved, unskilled, and useless. A mother needs to be thanked, prized, and praised, not just on Mother's Day, but every day.

A God-fearing woman is to be praised by her children, praised by her husband, and praised "in the city gate" by community leaders. These days many community leaders--politicians, media, educators, bosses--honor glamour more than godliness and show little respect for women who put God and family ahead of career. That can be discouraging. But a mother will still be encouraged if her children stand and say, "God bless you, Mom, for being such a blessing to us." She will glow to hear her husband say, "Darling, I love you. Other women might do good things, but you're the best!"

The highest praise any woman can receive is praise from God himself. What counts most is not what people think of a woman but what God thinks of her. God values every woman who honors him and serves her family. "The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit... is of great worth in God's sight" (1 Peter 3:4). Mothers, rejoice in the praise that comes from God. Husbands and children, praise Mom in a way that echoes God's own praise of her.

PRAYER--We praise you, Lord, for godly wives and loving mothers. You have blessed us through them. Now bless them through us, and make them feel treasured by you. Amen.