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When asked if she and her mother ever argue, Christian recording artist Jaci Velasquez is quick to respond. "Of course! We're a mother and daughter. What do you think?" She flashes a smile. "But she's still my best friend."
That's the sweet mystery of mother-daughter relationships. They may make each other crazy at times (especially during the teen years!), but life just wouldn't seem complete without the other.
TCW recently caught up with five daughters, rising young artists in the world of Christian music—Jaci Velasquez, Rebecca St. James, and Out of Eden's Lisa (Kimmey) Bragg, Andrea (Kimmey) Baca, and Danielle Kimmey—to get their perspective on this special relationship. All shared their deep appreciation for the friendship, advice, and sacrifice their mothers offer. Read on for some heart-warming testimonies of the power of a mother's wisdom and love.
JACI VELASQUEZMy mother is my best friend. And she's my prayer partner. She goes with me on tour and we pray together every day, before and after each of my concerts. I admire her love for God and the fact that she and my father keep me accountable. Lately she's been teaching me not to take things so personally all the time because that's something I really struggle with.
We're alike in many ways. I've inherited her hands and her low voice. We're both outgoing, we enjoy meeting new people, and we talk a lot. We both love watching old movies, cooking together, and shopping. Our main difference is that she can shop for only four hours and I can shop for eight!
—Jaci
When we're not on the road, we always try to set aside a day just for us. We'll go see a movie or go shopping. You should hear us when we're shopping. I'll say, "Mother, you should try this on. It'll look great." She'll say, "I don't know." And I'll say, "No, I really think you should try it on." I'll finally convince her and then she'll love it. We have a great time hanging out together. She knows how to make me laugh.
One of my favorite memories of my mother is from the third grade. We didn't have much money, so I didn't have a bicycle. All my friends had bikes, but I didn't have one. So for my mother's birthday, she bought me a bike. Her sacrificial love meant a lot to me. And it still does.
REBECCA ST. JAMESI don't know what I'd do without my mom. She's so caring and always goes the second mile. And she's modeled sacrifice and servanthood in many ways. Probably more than anyone in our family, she's had to give up a lot because of my ministry. When I'm away for concerts, I take Dad with me (he's my manager). So without his support, she holds the rest of the family together. In a family of nine, that's a lot of work and stress.
My producer says that both my mom and I are feisty—in a good way. We've got a lot of get-up-and-go, a lot of energy. She's pretty hip for a mom. I can take her to a youth group event or introduce her to my friends and be proud because she's so great. She's not just my mother, she's my friend.
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