Three-Strand Pearls

This devotional appeared first on Jacqueline Heider’s blog, jacquelineheider.com.

I was blessed with the most beautiful (and thoughtful) gift for Mother’s Day this year. My precious Mother – you know the one I’m supposed to be blessing on Mother’s Day. She gave me a gift. That’s just like her, though, always being a blessing. Always thoughtful.

She presented me with this treasured gift on the evening before Mother’s Day. She had me open the box first and then the card. When I saw the beautiful three-strand pearl necklace I almost cried. They were lovely. So elegant, graceful and … southern, just like my mama. She said, as I admired the extravagant gift, “Every woman needs three-strand pearls.”

Then I opened the card. It was a beautiful card, filled with sweet sentiments and affirmations on what a great mom I am. (I don’t feel like I’m a great mom most days. I feel like an unorganized, frazzled, nag much of the time!) The hand written note said …

These pearls are three strands for my three wonderful grandchildren. Thank you for being such a wonderful mother to them. I am blessed to have you as my beautiful daughter. When you wear these pearls, remember what they represent and remember how much your mother loves you!!!

How precious these three-strand pearls will always be to me. How precious my Mother is to me. They will, of course, remind me of my children, but they will also reminded me of this verse found in Ecclesiastes.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)

The three-strand pearls and this verse remind me that as a mother (as a woman),  I need not isolate myself and try to do everything on my own. There is an important and deep Biblical principle in this passage. Are you ready?

That’s right! We can be easily defeated, beaten down, and discouraged if left on our own. The enemy loves to find our weak and vulnerable spots. So it’s not always wise to attempt to do everything alone and with no help.

So I began thinking … Who’s got my back? Who can help me conquer? Here’s what I concluded. God has blessed me (an many of you) with multiple resources – a husband willing to help, a godly mother who is always there, friends and close family members to share life with, an incredible church family, His Word, prayer, the presence of Jesus, the Holy Spirit to guide me. Often, I choose not to access my resources. Instead, because of fear, pride, rejection, or unbelief, I try to do everything by myself. In doing that I make myself very vulnerable for attack. I feel alone, guilty, discouraged, and utterly powerless.

What about you? Are you feeling alone today? Do you feel powerless to accomplish your tasks? Do you need some encouragement with parenting, in your job, with a relationship, or with some other issue? Don’t attempt to “do it alone.” Think of those three-strand pearls my mom gave me. One strand is pretty, two are quite lovely, but three are simply exquisite. They compliment each other and make a gorgeous addition to any outfit. That’s true in life, as well. We all need support, help, a friend, a mentor.

Let’s come along side one another and support, life up, inspire and encourage. That’s what my mom was doing when she gave me those pearls. She wasn’t just giving me a nice heirloom to pass along to my daughter. Those pearls won’t just add flair to an outfit. Those three-strand pearls inspired and encouraged me far beyond that. Every time I see them I am reminded that someone always has my back – in prayer, in support, in just being there. Thank you, Mama, for my three-strand pearls, but mostly thank you for always being there for me! I love you!

Who can you come along side of today and inspire, encourage, and support?

I’d love to hear from you. Post a comment below.

Practical ways you can encourage someone today:

We have so many young adult women and moms who need encouragement. Some have mothers in town, while others do not. Will you consider blessing someone this week? Here are some practical ways you can help.

Jacqueline Heider is the Director of Women’s Ministry, Prayer, and Resource specialist at Warren Baptist Church.

Originally published at warren.church.