Tribute to a Virtuous Woman

Tribute to a Virtuous Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31

This month we celebrate and observe Mother’s Day.  The Lord saw fit to call my mother home to rest, January 2, 2013.  While I miss her tremendously, I continue to thank God for blessing and favoring me to have been birthed, reared, trained and prayed for by such an incredible woman.  To her credit, she led her husband of more than sixty years to Christ, she raised her four biological children, one foster daughter, and countless other young people in the Church, and she taught us to love God and respect the preacher.  She even led her own mother to Christ and several of her siblings.

More than fifty years ago, my mother and a small group of women birthed the noonday prayer ministry at Greater Mount Olive Church Of God In Christ in Aurora, Illinois.  That prayer ministry continues today.  She had the wisdom and foresight to enroll her children into private schools to ensure that they received an education that would position them to compete and excel in the 21^st century.  This was a trailblazing decision that put her at odds with her peers, but later many followed suit.

When one of her sons (who had been the beneficiary of quality education), did not know how to apply to the university – she assisted him in completing the application. This despite the fact that she herself had only a seventh grade education.  She was wise beyond her years.  She was anointed and would literally turn a worship service out from her seat on the floor by merely praying in tongues, or with her patented spiritual quickening (those who knew her know what I am talking about).  When she prayed for you, there was no question that there would be results.

When she passed, people literally travelled from the four corners of this country to celebrate her transition, including from California, New York, Texas, Virginia, Illinois and beyond.  At least three bishops of this church either attended or sent representation.  In fact, I have never met anyone who had anything negative to say about her.  If there were ever a virtuous woman, it was her.

This Mother’s Day I am going to take some time away from everyone and thank God for my mother.  I am going to thank Him for blessing me to be birthed and raised by such an awesome lady.  I know for me the bar has been set high (to whom much is given, much is required).  But I kind of feel she has prepared me for such a time and task as this.

I would like to encourage each of you. First, to the mothers who will read this article.  Be encouraged and continue to do what you are doing as long as what you are doing is right in the eyes of the Lord.  Be virtuous in the eyes of God.  Remember, your daughters will undoubtedly mimic you and pattern themselves after you.  Your sons will no doubt learn about women from you.  Many people say young men often marry women that have the qualities of their mother.  Second, for you who have mothers – honor them this day.  Take them out to dinner, buy them something pretty, or help them around the house.  Do all you can, not to cause them grief or worry.  The Bible says if we honor them, our days on earth will be lengthened.

To Mother Annie Louise Pruitte, I salute you this day.  As I read the scripture text (Proverbs 31:10-31) you possessed all of those characteristics and more: capable, trustworthy, brought good to daddy’s life, industrious, made constructive plans for the house, energetic, hard worker, helped those in need, strong (in character and commitment), dignified, gave instructions with kindness, and today your children are giving you praise and calling you blessed.

Now I know you cannot read this because according to the scripture, you are asleep.  The Bible says you are resting from your labor until the trump of God sounds.  I just wanted others to know a little bit about an awesome lady who personified virtuousness.    

I bless you in the name of the Lord.

Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.