As we still reflect on Mother’s Day, I decided to take a moment to revisit my memories of a dear lady named Vivian Brewer. Vivian was my mother-in-law and gave me the treasure of my wife, Rosemary. She served as a pastor’s wife for over sixty years and was probably the godliest woman I have ever known. Years ago, after her first stroke, she wrote a letter to God. None of us knew about it until it was discovered just a few days before her death in 2008.

Lasting Spiritual Influence

In 2 Timothy 1:5 Paul told his understudy Timothy, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” The blessing of a mother’s example of faith produces a lasting influence for good on the generations to come.

The blessing of a mother’s example of faith produces a lasting influence for good on the generations to come.

As a crowning characteristic of the many profound qualities of the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 we find these words:

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her (Proverbs 31:26–28).

For a mother, there is nothing so rewarding as when her children sincerely honor her in gratitude for the practical wisdom and persevering work she has lovingly invested in their lives over many years.

For a mother, there is nothing so rewarding as when her children sincerely honor her in gratitude for the practical wisdom and persevering work she has lovingly invested in their lives over many years.

The Prayer of a Godly Woman

The letter below was read at Vivian’s memorial service and really represents what we all knew to be true about her. Her legacy of faith prompted me to honor her by sharing her letter, which is really a prayer from her heart. I pray it will inspire all of you who are mothers as you seek the Lord and desire to leave a Christ-honoring legacy. May her words inspire all of us (men, women, single, married) to finish well for Christ’s glory – even as Vivian did as she stepped into the portals of heaven.

A Letter to God

by Vivian Brewer

 

Lord, I’m yours! I want only your will in my life.

I realize I’m not here on earth to do my own thing,

or seek my own fulfillment, or my own glory.

I’m not here to indulge my desires or to increase my own possessions.

I’m not here to impress people – to be popular or important,

or to promote myself.

I’m here to please YOU!!

 

I learned a long time ago to follow Job 13:15,

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.”

I offer myself to you, for you alone are worthy.

I’m yours by creation – all that I am I owe to you!

I receive from you every day – life and breath and all things. I’m yours!

You bought me and paid the price of your dear son’s blood.

You alone (Father, Son & Spirit) are worthy.

You, my Father, gave to me the Lord Jesus, who gave Himself for me,

shed His blood for me, and sent me the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

 

I give you my rebellion,

which resists your will and tells me I can do all things in my own power.

I give you my fears,

which tell me I’ll never be able to do your will in some areas of my life.

Energize me, oh God, create in me the power and the desire to do your will.

 

I give you my fears,

which tell me I’ll never be able to do your will in some areas of my life.

Energize me, oh God, create in me the power and the desire to do your will. — The prayer of a godly mother

 

I give you my body (what there is left of it!) –

my entire inner being, my mind, my emotional life, my will;

my marriage, my children, my grandchildren, and my great grandchildren;

my abilities and gifts, my strengths and my weaknesses, my heart, my health (such as it is), my status, my possessions, my past, present and future,

and when, where, and how I’ll go home to Heaven.

 

I’m here to love you, obey you, and glorify you!

Oh, Jesus, may I be a joy to you!

 

Vivian Brewer

 

P.S. I praise you that you are sovereign!

With you nothing is accidental or incidental.

With you nothing is wasted.

You, Lord, in your power are the breath of life – and all destiny is yours.

You show your love back to me with others looking on.

Thank you that I can move into the future,

for whatever lies ahead, you hold the future.

You will always be with me – even in my old age – and forever!!

 

Copyright © 2021 Daniel Henderson. All rights reserved.