“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

Exodus 20:12

My mother recently passed away after a wonderful life. My father, who preceded my mother in death, was part of the Greatest Generation and fought in the fiercest battles of World War II in the Pacific, going ashore with the Marines in the initial waves and was miraculously uninjured from 1943-1945. He continued into 1946, on occupation duty, in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where the bombs were dropped. He was exposed to the radiation, but he didn’t know it until years later.

My father and mother got married and tried to have children. It didn’t work. The radiation had affected my father in a way that they were unable to have children. They prayed and remained faithful and patient. My mother told me she prayed for me even though the adoption society didn’t have a child available at the time.

She got a call from the adoption agency a few days later. God made me for a purpose. He provided a mother and father who loved the honored the Lord. His plan for me was for success not for disaster. I honor my mother and I was blessed to be her son.

“Her children arise and call her blessed.”

Proverbs 31:28

My mother is now with the Lord, but if she was here, I would call her as I always did even in war when I could get to a phone or send a long letter or go see her even in her dying days. She always had the most heartfelt thanks for her life, her children with the profound and ensuring praise to God through Jesus Christ. When she was nearing death, she was asked if she wanted anything. Although she was unable to speak for days and couldn’t move…she opened her eyes, lifted her arms, and said, “Just give me Jesus.” We—all her children—were with her in the last days, and we thanked God for her.

I miss my mother. I’ve been blessed by my own children, grandchildren, and an extended family. Their mothers are faithful, strong, and blessed. May they be blessed and bless others through their faith in God who loves them and makes mothers special.

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

Proverbs 31:26

For those like me who are adopted, you have been brought to this place in life for a reason, by whatever route, to know that God loves you and has a purpose of good for your life.

For those who may not have a great relationship—or none—with their mother, maybe today you can simply thank God for your birth and place in the world. Perhaps you could pick up the phone or send a note and start a new relationship? Maybe you just say, “thank you” and praise God. To God be the glory.

To our FUMA Moms of all generations—and to those who have the vitally important role of mothers—may God bless and keep you. We honor you. Happy Mother’s Day.

And…thanks Mom. I love you.

Colonel David L. Coggins, USMC (Ret.)
President
Fork Union Military Academy