There are five attributes my mother had that are worth modeling. Unfortunately, the apple has fallen far from the tree on some of these characteristics. I feel that I (and everyone else in the world) would do well to incorporate these five principles into their lives.

Work Hard

My mother was always working. I'm not talking about a career really, although she did have a good career before marrying my father and having children with him. She was always working. She was cleaning, cooking,  or teaching us to do the same. We had regular jobs that we had to do. She taught us that being part of a family meant everyone chipped in -- not just the mother slaving thanklessly while no one else lifted a finger. She got in there with us and showed us how to work, taught us the proper way  to dust, to mop, to wash dishes. She instilled an intense desire to work for what we wanted in life.

Waste Not a Minute

My mother taught us to use our time wisely. We learned quickly that you don't tell Moma that you're bored. If you did, you'd quickly be given some household chores to enliven your day. If we fought or quarreled, we were put to work. My mother lived by the motto that an ''idle mind is the devil's workshop.'' Constructive use of time was paramount, and that principle is indelibly burned into the character of her children.

Keep Your Word

 If my mother said it would happen - regardless of whether it was punishment or reward - it would be carried out. So let it be written; so let it be done. She didn't make promises she wasn't prepared to keep. If she promised you something, even if something else came up to intervene, she would still find a way to carry out her promises. In all my  years of living, I can't recall that my mother ever told a single lie. Her character was and is beyond reproach.

Be Consistent

My mother was ever consistent. There were no surprises. If you disobeyed, you knew you'd reap the assigned consequences. When it comes to her devotion to God, she is ever faithful, ever true. My mother saw that we were in church ever Sunday. Only on rare occasions, in cases of definite illness, did we miss a Sunday. She taught consistency and faithfulness by example. Although one could hardly say I am consistent in raising my children, at least her consistency in her devotion to God has worked its way deep into my mind.

Serve Others

My mother has one of those sixth senses about serving other people. As woman she was amazing. She anticipates the needs and desires of her children with the intuition of a psychic. My mom is die but every single day I say thanks to God because now my Christian life is by her.

These five characteristics that my mother was possessing in such intensity affect not only her own children, but also her grandchildren. And as her children and grandchildren go out and attempt to follow in her footsteps others are blessed and impacted for good. The example of a righteous mother avails much, spans the generations and permeates to all within the reach of those she touches.

To Libia Lina (My mom)

I miss you mama...