What happened in 1941?  Was it WW II, Joe Louis dominated for heavyweight boxing titles, Orson Welles directed and starred in “Citizen Kane”, Bob Hope performed his first USO show, Joe DiMaggio broke hitting streaks and was named AL MVP, Walt Disney released the animation “Dumbo”, or the bombing of Pearl Harbour?  Yes, all those historical events took place, but something more grand occurred for me. Judith Marie West came into this world on January 24, 1941…my Momma.
When I woke up this “birthday morning of my mom” and thought about and prayed for her, some words came to my mind that describes her:  hospitable, servanthood, overcomer, and just plain ole “there”.
Hospitable:  Throughout my entire life our home was a place of gathering.  My momma was never one to turn down hosting a party, dinner, or a social event of any kind.  Whether it was her sisterhood with Beta Sigma Phi, neighborhood kids, church folks, a plethora of her four children’s involvement in the FFA, other clubs, school, athletics, or whatever the occurrence or whoever the audience may be, Judy was always the hostess with the mostess.
Mom and Carol (my dear step-dad), even had a room built on to their home that was large enough to host gatherings.  Now, she may say they built it to entertain all their 36+ children and grandchildren at Thanksgiving and Christmas time, but I’m pretty sure they had in mind to host other events as well.  Both of them enjoy hosting their Sunday school Valentine’s Day party, baby and bridal showers, her Pinecrest High School classmates’ gatherings, and other memory making moments through the year.
Friends have often told me, “Your mother always has the sweetest smile on her face.”  Or “Your mom is the kindest lady I know.”  Mom was, and still is, a fabulous and generous host, and she always does it with a smile.
Servanthood:  Recently, my daughter and I were talking about the characteristics of servanthood.  When I had to generate a visual of someone for her to capture in her mind, I didn’t have to think very hard.  When I think of my mom, I think of a loving and godly servant.
As you can tell from above, mom loves to entertain.  Being hospitable and being a servant go hand and hand.  But even a little further than being a hostess, mom is one that goes the extra mile to serve you.  When asked to bring food for tailgating at a Gator game or just a little something to a dinner party, she isn’t going to just swing by and purchase a bucket of chicken to share, oh no, Judith Marie is going to fry you up some of her homemade chicken. (Hmmm, thinking about that…mom, wanna come over for dinner and bring “a little something”?) She is not afraid to whip you up some of her delicious homemade buttermilk biscuits either.
Mom is one her serves her family, friends, and others in need without hesitation.  Yet, even more than just serving others, she serves her Lord Jesus Christ.  My mother will be willing to serve you with a smile, but she knows that her main priority is the Lord.  She has always served at church in various ways.  Whether it is through singing, cooking, or decorating mom is a willing servant.
Overcomer:  I’ve seen my mom go through some tough times. She is not one that gives up. Sometimes she made need a little push, but giving up is not an option for my mom.
Over the past few years, my mom has endured numerous surgeries.  When I saw her persevere during recovery, I was impressed.  Unfortunately, she has had setbacks.   She has been fallen into by someone, and even hit by a car…each time on the shoulder in which she had her surgery.  Mom, be strong.  Continue to overcome.  Nothing is impossible with God.

Just plain ole “there”:  My mom has been and is always there for me. I can hardly recall an event (good or bad) or competition in my life when my mom wasn’t by my side or my three brothers’ as well. As her family grew, she and grandpa are “there”.  They travel many miles and through many states to be there for their children, grandchildren, and now great-grandbabies.  It doesn’t matter if it is a sporting event, a birthday party, birth, baptism, school function, or any other occasion, they are “there”.  I’ve seen my mom put a halt to her life to sit with friends and family in the hospital or their home during difficult times.  She just wants to “be there” for others in their time of need.
Mom, God instructs us in Proverbs 23:22b, “Respect your mother, even when she is old.”  Well, how can I not (with a little chuckle) include the last part of this verse on your birthday?  Even when you’re “old”…I will/do respect you.
Honoring you is a must!  Not only on your birthday, but on each day.  God thinks it’s pretty significant to do so as well.  So significant that He made it one of the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your father and mother.”
Proverbs 31:25-30 reads:
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Mom, you are blessed!  Thank you for fearing the Lord and instilling that characteristic in me.  Thank you for loving me unconditionally.  Thank you for always being there, and for just being you.
Happy Birthday to my momma!  I love you.