Happy Birthday Mama!

Honoring Mama 💕😍

Tomorrow, our mama Tessie (lola Tess) will turn 69! As I reflect on her life and all that she has done for our family, I am reminded of the words in Proverbs 31—a passage that so perfectly describes her character, resilience, and faithfulness. Growing up, my relationship with Mama had its fair share of ups and downs. As her firstborn, I was the "trial and error" recipient of her parenting 😅😂. We didn’t always see eye to eye, especially when it came to discipline. But looking back now, I can’t help but be grateful for the values she instilled in us—especially her unwavering faith in God.

Mama and Papa had me when they were just finishing college. Life was hard, and our family moved frequently because of Papa’s work. Despite the challenges, they decided that Mama would stay home to raise us while Papa worked to support the family. It was the norm back then, but I now see how much strength, wisdom, and sacrifice it took for her to dedicate her life to our family.

As I reflect on Mama’s life, I want to honor her with five key reflections from Proverbs 31 and how she exemplified them throughout her life.

1. She Works Hard and Provides for Her Family (Proverbs 31:13-15)

I remember Mama waking up early, preparing meals, and doing all the household chores. She never stopped working, and even when she was tired, she made sure that we had everything we needed. Life in Manila in the early ’90s was tough, especially with three children. Budgeting was tight, but Mama was incredibly resourceful. She made the most out of what we had, stretching every peso to ensure we had healthy, home-cooked meals.

Being Ilocano, she always included vegetables in our meals, often picking malunggay leaves from our backyard to add nutrition to our soups and fried dishes. She had a knack for turning simple ingredients into delicious, hearty meals. Now, as a mother myself, I see the same determination in my own efforts to provide for my family, and I realize how much I learned from her example.

2. She Builds a Strong and Beautiful Home (Proverbs 31:27)

Mama had a gift for making our house feel like home. She loved rearranging furniture, doing DIY projects, and keeping everything neat and welcoming by adding plants in every corner. My friends always admired our house because every time they visited, something new had changed—without spending anything! Mama had an eye for home design and a heart for hospitality.

She loved hosting Bible studies and welcoming guests, especially pastors. She always told me, “It is better to give than to receive.” She modeled generosity by preparing the best meals for our pastors and even sending them off with rice and groceries—sometimes giving away what was meant for our own dinner. 😜😅

3. She is Strong and Courageous in the Face of Challenges (Proverbs 31:25)

Mama became a widow two decades ago. I saw firsthand how she grieved, but even more so, how she found strength in God. When Papa decided to become a lay pastor and start a house church in her hometown (Macalauat, Isabela), Mama never hesitated—she followed him and supported his calling. That small house church has now grown into a thriving community of believers, including many of Mama’s own relatives who were once devoted Catholics but now follow Christ.

Despite losing Papa, she pressed on, trusting God’s plans. She chose to live independently rather than rely on us, her children. I never expected her to embrace such independence, but she has flourished. She enjoys her freedom, stays active, and continues to serve at church as an usher, always radiating joy and gratitude.

4. She Instills Faith and God’s Word in Her Children (Proverbs 31:26-28)

One of the greatest gifts Mama gave me was a foundation in faith. She was the one who taught me to pray and memorize Bible verses. I still remember how she made me recite the entire Beatitudes passage in Filipino language at church for a Compassion program 😹. At the time, I didn’t fully understand its significance, but now I treasure those moments.

Looking back, I see how much her prayers and spiritual guidance shaped my life. I may not have appreciated her discipline back then, but I now understand that it was her love and obedience to God that guided her parenting. I pray that I can do the same for my own son, David, and raise him in faith as she did for us.

5. She Finds Joy and Contentment in the Lord (Proverbs 31:30)

Mama is one of the most joyful people I know. At 69, she is full of life, enjoying daily Zumba, staying active, and taking care of herself. As a senior citizen, she rarely gets sick, and I believe it’s because her heart is filled with gratitude. Her greatest joy is seeing her children and grandchildren together. Every time we reunite, she hugs us tightly, showering us with love and prayers.

She has faced so many hardships—losing Papa, raising us alone, and navigating life’s uncertainties—but she has never lost her faith. She is living proof that a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

A Prayer for Mama

Final Thoughts

As Mama turns 69, I am reminded of how truly blessed we are to have her. She has modeled what it means to live a life of faith, service, and unwavering love.

Proverbs 31:28 says, "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Today, we rise and honor Mama. She is our prayer warrior, our encourager, our inspiration. I pray that God grants her many more years of happiness and fulfillment, and that one day soon, we can all be together again, hugging her tightly and celebrating the life she so beautifully lives.

Happy birthday, Mama! You are deeply loved and treasured. ❤️