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We all know horror stories abound, but TCW went on faith that some of you actually like your mother-in-law. And we were right! When we asked, loving daughters-in-law flooded our office with valuable life lessons they've learned from the women who raised their hubbies. Here are some of their heartwarming stories.
Ask God to Use You
I was raised in a non-Christian home. My mother, an alcoholic who never knew what being loved or loving meant, married five times throughout her life.
My mother-in-law, Jean, is the finest example of a Christian woman I know. Her deepest desire is to serve God every day—no matter what—and God keeps her very busy. She visits housebound people in her small community and treats the local nursing home residents to homemade cookies and beautiful piano music every Saturday night. Jean is loving, giving, and nurturing.
We talk on the phone often, sharing stories, recipes, and tears. She's filled a very large gap in my heart I never realized was so deep. Jean's the mother I never had.
Kay Adams, Colorado
Be Confident
My mother-in-law, Judy, has given me so many things for which I'm very thankful—not the least of which is my kind and loving husband! But as I look back over the nearly ten years I've known her, I think the best thing my mother-in-law has taught me is to be confident in myself. Certainly she counsels me to pray about things, to seek God's strength, and to be within his will. But her encouragement and supportive love have helped me to overcome my timidity and be able to say with confidence, "I can."
Robin Hamm, Pennsylvania
Carpe Diem
Sylvia, my mother-in-law, continues to teach our family how to laugh, play, and build fun memories. My husband is the oldest of four children born in six years, and his fondest memories of childhood are family parties arranged at the least hint of a reason to celebrate.
Today Sylvia celebrates with her children, their spouses, and eleven grandchildren. Our family celebrations sometimes include bingo, a piata, almost always a card game, and occasionally a tennis or golf clinic taught by Grammy. Sylvia has taught me how to celebrate life.
Christina Smith, California
There's Power in Prayer
My first and strongest memory of my mother-in-law, Nell, was the day my now-husband, Scott, and I announced our engagement. She told me it was wonderful to finally meet the person she'd been praying for for so many years. Words can't express the love I felt in knowing she'd prayed countless prayers for me, years before she even knew my name.
I continue to see Nell's daily example of walking with the Lord, bringing every issue to him for his guidance and direction. There's joy in her journey, and I have no doubt it's because of her close, daily communion with God. Her love for God and for people is a constant testimony to her belief that "the most important things in life aren't things."
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