State Mother of the Year gives acceptance speech
Editor's note:Mary Kate

Mary Kate Brearley Glasser

Brearley Glasser from

Marion, S. C., was selected

the state Mother of the Year

January 18, 2008. Below is

her acceptance speech.

To be named the State Mother of the Year is the greatest honor I have ever had, and I accept this award with deep humility. I am pleased to represent the mothers of South Carolina.

I would like to thank the State Mother of the Year organization for selecting me. I am grateful for the nomination by Beta Beta Chapter of Alpha Eta State, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, and for the endorsement by the Women's Ministries Board of the Arsenal Hill A.R.P. Church. I do appreciate the letters of recommendation by special friends.

Let me pay tribute to the mothers who have meant so much in my life:

To my two saintly grandmothers who lived by the Word of God.

To my own dear mother who taught me God made me and loved me and I am to glorify Him with my life. She instilled in me the values of faith and education. She taught me to pray and face adversity with courage.

To my husband's mother who loved me like a daughter and taught me what it was like to be a minister's wife.

And, to the mothers of my 10 wonderful grandchildren. From the time my children were born, I prayed that God would send fine Christian mates for them. And He answered my prayers.

I must tell you that parenting is definitely a partnership! My children had a very intelligent father who was a man of Christian conviction, integrity and discipline. He loved his family. He could say with Joshua, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." The Bible was the handbook for our family, and we worshipped in the home and the sanctuary.

And I want to say "thank you" to our children. All four (and they are here today) are capable, energetic, patriotic, and compassionate leaders. I enjoy the personal and professional interaction with my adult children who are in education, medicine, and ministry. Highlights of our family life are the times we make for being together. I thank the Lord for my children. Let me quote from Psalm 100. "..be thankful unto Him and bless His name for the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations."

I feel every child is a gift from God. Parenting is an awesome responsibility- not only for now but for all eternity. It requires a lot of prayer, energy, sacrifice, time, and love. When children learn honor, respect, and responsibility at home, they will become good citizens.

We should listen to our children and always encourage, support, and praise them. I believe we teach by example. We should live as we want our children to follow. I think children should feel they belong to the family, and they are needed and valued.

I appreciate the support of the community in recognizing the great calling of motherhood. Our children are truly a product of the church, the school, sports, scouts, colleges, neighbors, and friends. We all need to work together to protect the sanctity of the home. God bless the mothers of America!