The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Exodus 20:12, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.

John 19:25-27, “…there were standing by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ 27 Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own household.”

History tells us that “Mothers’ Day” occurs on Sunday, May 13, in the United States, and that the American version of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. Anna Jarvis would later denounce the holiday’s commercialization and spent the latter part of her life trying to remove it from the calendar.

All of that being said, the LORD instructed all children (and we are all children) to honor their mothers and fathers. He further promises a long life in the land that He has given. Not all children in the Bible honored their parents as they should have. Many did, however, and they set the pattern for us to do the same. But, what if parents don’t deserve being honored? Forget that! They all deserve honor, whether you think they do or not.

Parents might not have received the training that they should have when they were children. Thus, they didn’t know how to train you. Love erases all of that, if you will allow it. Just remember that they did the best they could. You

weren’t –and aren’t—all you should be, either.

While dying on the Cross, Jesus took time to think and care for His mother. “Woman, behold your Son!” Although she was suffering in her heart as she saw Him dying, she was honored that He thought and cared for her. How are you honoring your mother? She loves you and doubtlessly tells you so many times. Don’t ever be too “big” or too

“Involved” to honor your mother. You really only have one mother. Be thankful and tell her how much she means to you. There will be a day when you won’t have her. Honor that counts occurs today!

We love you and pray for you every day,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”