I've watched my niece, Jamie Thompson Wood, grow from being my sons' childhood playmate to an incredible woman of God. She's a God-fearing young woman worthy of praise (Proverbs 31:30b). I know this transformation doesn't just happen. In Jamie's case, her parents played a huge part in her development.
I asked Jamie to share this Mother's Day tribute (Proverbs 31:28a) to her mom, Janice Thompson - an UPGRADE Partner who writes about finances. I know Jamie's brother David would echo the same kind of love and respect for their mother, but I want you to hear Jamie's heart.
She wrote ...
When I think of my mom, I think of:
- heart-to-heart talks over hot tea,
- kneeling down together by my
bed each night growing up to read Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost For His Highest, - a silly song that when played over the radio instantly connects us across the miles and time zones,
- crawling into her bed late at night as a teenager to share details, details, details after returning from a date, and
- a woman who singlehandedly embodies the picture of wisdom, intentionality, and a life lived in faithful obedience to God.
Mom is a woman on a God-ordained mission with an unparalleled tenacity to live into the fullness of what God has for her.
She has modeled for me what it looks like to hear from God and then follow His leading.
She taught me though her life what it looks like to: love your spouse well, put your family first, plan for the future, see money as a tool and not a master, and balance the many hats a woman wears with grace and strength.
To many, she’s a sought after business professional, to others she’s a confidante and a source of wise counsel, and to yet others, she’s a friend.
But I am one of two on this entire earth who get the high privilege of calling her "Mom."
I pray God gives me the strength and faithfulness to walk in a way that honors her model and maybe 
someday, I will hear someone say, “You remind me of your mom.”
That will be a very good day.
If you are a woman, you are likely a "mom" to someone, by parenting or by influence. Are you living worthy of a tribute? Your daughter (or spiritual daughter) is watching your life. May God encourage all of us "Moms" to be careful as we shape young lives.
Jamie Wood was born into a Pastor’s family and desires to disciple women for Christ. She has served as a conference planner for Anne Graham Lotz at AnGeL Ministries, as the Women’s Spiritual Life Director at San Diego Christian College, and on staff in the Women’s Ministry Department of Shadow Mountain Community Church. She has traveled to 36 countries and loves teaching others how to study and apply God's Word. Jamie, her husband Jeff and their baby son, David, live in San Diego.