Although we had little of both treasures and time, we absolutely had to make sure that the birthday would be special. And it was. The outpouring of love was overwhelming. Nearly one hundred people came. Her co-workers, family, friends, church friends and her Discipleship Group…so many honored my mom with their attendance and participation.
There were hilarious games, lively song numbers (several from her eldest granddaughter), and testimonies from people who she has blessed. And indeed, I realize even more strongly now how she has blessed so many people. She was, and continues to be, a mentor and a councilor par excellence. Many of the people giving their testimony broke down, most especially my wife, a woman whom, as a mother-in-law, she has given so much love and grace. If there’s ever a person who can testify on how the Lord uses my mom to bring out the best in others, it’s Jhean.
The event once again shows that people are honored not on the size of their bank accounts, or job position, or accomplishments, or how they look, or how many toys they have. What really counts is how one invests in and blesses others. I’ve seen that so many times, and I saw it again last Saturday. My mom was floored by such a great outpouring of love…and it’s because of how she touched their lives.
Below is a video that a family friend (one of the women that mom has discipled) made in her honor. Below that is the transcript of the speech that I gave to my mom that night. I hope you enjoy both.
Speech for mom’s birthday
First of all, I thank you for coming tonight. You truly honor my mom with your presence. So many areas in mom’s life are represented here. This evening, I see family, church mates, co-workers…so many people who have blessed mom with friendship and company, and I hope she has blessed their lives as well.
I’m pretty sure she has, though. You see, through the years I’ve heard many superlatives about my mom: everything from her being beautiful, to being the best boss some people have ever had, to having such a great disposition, and all that…you’ve heard them here earlier this evening.
But far and away, the best trait that my mom has is echoed in a bible passage I dug up for this occasion. Say what you will about mom’s appearance or how easy she is to get along with, but “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
My mom’s relationship with God is, to me, the true reason why she is so admired, most likely because it is the source of it.
This vertical relationship has had a profound effect her outlook on life. People around her say that she’s a very positive person, has a definite grace under pressure, and is rarely, if ever angry and rattled. More than once, people have come up to her and said, in bewilderment, “There’s something very different about you.” It’s not as if she’s had a problem free life. Two out-of-the-country moves, changes in career, raising a stubborn only child who has been hospitalized several times, deaths of loved ones…and the basic problems that go on in life. The trials were definitely there. But I always see my mom shine above them, not because she’s headstrong, but because she’s surrendered.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer. 29:11-12, NIV). None of us knows what the future holds, but we can know who holds the future. And know him in a personal way like she does.
This vertical relationship has also affected her horizontal relationships. She has a very forgiving spirit. She needed that, bringing up somebody like me…but truly, she’s one of the most forgiving people I know. I’m beginning to realize that she’s like that because she has been forgiven, herself. She gives grace, because she has received it. Those of us who have been on the receiving end of this forgiveness should also display it to others. Isn’t it silly to have a Father in heaven who has forgiven us of all our sins but then we hold grudges against the next guy?
She also gets along with everyone. I’ve never heard of her getting involved in office politics, gossip, or any other backbiting activity. This is also biblical, where it says repeatedly that you have to live in peace with everyone and be motivated by love.
Many of you here know her as mentor, and Jhean and I are very familiar with that role of hers. Whenever my wife needs guidance, she first runs to my mom, because for sure she would get solid, biblical advice that is correct just about every time. There are only a handful of women who can give advice as good as she does. In fact, I remember many years ago when CCF held a one day women’s conference. There were four keynote speakers for that event, here are the first three: Ann Barrameda, Blessie Melicor, and Peachy Cacanando. Now, you know them as wives of ministers, right? Well, the fourth is an exception to that…and she was my mom. And some of the attendees called the foursome the Dream Team. Truly, when mom is asked to speak on anything, especially on spiritual things, she delivers…powerfully.
Another thing great about my mom is that she’s quite patriotic. I remember when we were living in the states, and she saw that me and many of my peers were running the risk of losing our identity as Filipinos and instead becoming brown skinned Americans. She spearheaded a movement in the local Filipino association to hold a Philippine cultural show in order to get us immersed in the culture of our homeland. The reason why I use Filipino products whenever possible is because if her influence.
Another trait that my mom exemplifies is simplicity. Yes, she comes from a family of privilege, but you can never tell if you look at her. People from similar or even lesser backgrounds can be preoccupied with acquiring pretty, shiny, and expensive things, but mom is not ensnared with the showboating and materialism that has gripped so many. In fact, she’s one of the few women I know who doesn’t like to shop. She’s quite frugal, very frugal. In fact you may notice that she doesn’t usually celebrate birthdays. We’ll make an exception this one time. This, again, is related to her relationship with God. The bible says that “But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” 1 Tim 6:6-10 NIV
Finally, related to her simplicity is her servant’s heart. She’s a great leader because she leads by serving. Nothing is more inspiring than a leader who is willing to go down to the trenches along side you. Also, few leaders are as nurturing and approachable as she is, as she often wants to make sure that even her staff’s lives outside the office are in order. Many of you can vouch for that I’m sure. I can vouch of this as her role today, as a mother of a married son. As a mother and mother in law, she initiates and gives advice, but she never controls or becomes overbearing.
And many of you can vouch how she loves to serve the Lord. I remember she was involved in the women’s ministry, in her D Group, the street kids ministry, the DSWD battered women ministry, children’s ministry, even in some of the admin work. Right now, her D Group is handling the children’s ministry for the month of June, and mom is doing an excellent job as one of the teachers of the 10-12 year old class, at least that’s according to the teacher’s pet, her eldest granddaughter.
In fact, if there’s a source of frustration in her life right now, it’s that she’s not able to be a spiritual influence as much as she wants to, as much as she used to. God seems to be teaching her how to be patient, even if it’s for His Kingdom work. But I’m sure, mom, this dry period will end and one day you’ll be able to serve Him once again with gusto.
Well, I’ve said quite a mouthful. So, mom, 60 years have passed, and it’s been one great ride. I’ve placed you quite on a pedestal in the last few minutes, but I know you have your own faults. Everybody does. You’re not perfect…even better, you’re forgiven, and thank you for passing the source of that forgiveness to me and the rest of your family.
I would like to end with excerpts of Proverbs 31. Many of you are familiar with these verses, but I’d like to read them as someone who is proud to be a son of a mother who exemplifies them more than just about any other woman I know.
Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things,but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Yup, that is SO mom. And so the final verse of that passage says:
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Well, I hope this party is a good enough reward, but I’m sure it’s nothing to the rewards waiting for you. Happy 60th birthday, mom. May you continue to be used by God for his glory.
If you want to see pictures of the event, click here.
