My mother-in-love also deserves a crown. I’m sure there were times she wanted to shake her head when Eric informed his family that we were going to marry. I’m not exactly traditional…really. Yet she never voiced any reservations. Instead, she made me feel welcome.

Over almost 16 years of marriage, that initial acceptance has developed into a deep friendship. Virgene is one of the small group of women I turn to when I need advice, prayer, help. It’s very hard for me to ask for help, but I have come to rely on my mother-in-love. She frees me to do things like serve on the ACFW board because she is always willing to help with the kids while I’m gone.

She challenges me to chase God. She encourages me as I use my gifts. And she loves me…crazy as I am. I always thought my parents had the funniest argument because they’d argue about who had the better mother-in-law. I LOVE that Eric and I can have the same argument today.

Who has God placed in your life that mothers you in ways you never anticipated?