What is the most powerful lesson a mother can teach? For Gloria B. Smith, it was this: “Have your own.” From owning a telephone or furniture to purchasing a home, her mother, Lannie Tilliman Rivers Bennett, taught that having your own brought dignity and freedom. That wisdom stayed with Gloria throughout her life.
Her mama’s lessons weren’t just about things. They were about character, confidence, and conviction. Ms. Lannie’s words weren’t fancy but were full of truth. She told Gloria, “Don’t you ever pay for a house and not own it.” At first, it sounded like a riddle. But Gloria knew exactly what Mama meant. Her words were life instructions, planted like seeds that have grown for decades.
Have Your Own and Walk Proud
One of Ms. Lannie’s most lasting messages was about self-reliance. She believed owning your essentials gave you power. When it’s yours, you don’t have to ask permission, and when it’s time to let go, you can do so freely.
That sense of control gave Gloria strength. It was about more than possessions. It was about self-respect.
As Proverbs 31:25 NIV declares, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” That verse paints a perfect picture of her Mama’s quiet confidence and of the woman she raised.
Be Your Own Critic First
Ms. Lannie would often tell Gloria, “Be your own critic.” She believed that true self-awareness shielded her daughter from external judgment. If you know your strengths and flaws, criticism from others loses its sting.
This life principle taught Gloria to face herself honestly. That inner work allowed her to smile inward, even in hard times, knowing she had done the best she could.
Galatians 6:4 NIV reminds us, “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” Ms. Lannie didn’t need scripture to know this truth, but she lived it out every day.
Tell the Truth and Keep Your Word
Honesty was non-negotiable in Mama’s house. She instilled in Gloria the importance of always telling the truth.
During summer visits with her sister and brother-in-law in Maryland, Gloria’s only responsibility was to be truthful. Mama didn’t tolerate lies, but she also believed in redemption. If you did something wrong, you should say so. If not, stand on your truth.
This lesson, Gloria says, gave her lifelong clarity and confidence. Ephesians 4:25 NLT speaks to this principle: “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.”
Listen for God’s Whisper
Faith was foundational in Mama’s teachings. She told Gloria to pray for guidance and to listen for God’s voice. That voice, she said, would be still and quiet. So quiet it could give you chills.
This spiritual awareness stayed with Gloria and became a part of how she made decisions. Mama taught that God wouldn’t always shout. He would whisper, and those whispers could change everything.
Stand Firm When Things Go Left
One day, Gloria was asked repeatedly to do a favor. She said no over and over, until finally giving in. Everything went wrong after that.
In the middle of the mess, she could almost hear Mama say, “Stay the course. You’re in it now, so see it through.” That lesson reminded her not to let pressure change her decisions. If you say yes, mean it. If you say no, hold firm.
Mama believed that commitment wasn’t just for convenience. It was for character.
Style, Confidence, and Self-Expression
Mama also believed in dressing well, not to impress others, but to feel good about yourself. She said, “Pay good money for your clothes. Wear what looks good on you. Walk with your head high.”
Her advice taught Gloria to dress with intention and comfort, not with concern for trends or opinions. People might call someone too flashy, but Mama reminded her daughter, “You never get too old to do it your way.”
That advice wasn’t just about clothes. It was about living boldly and authentically.
Living Her Legacy Through Her Children
Gloria made sure her daughters learned what Mama taught her. But she didn’t just speak it, she modeled it.
Every Christmas, Gloria decorates, cooks, and bakes just like her mother did. She welcomes people to her home with warmth and generosity, reflecting the values she grew up with.
Her daughters, Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Evangelist Meredith Jefferies, and OnJerya T. Smith, carry that same spirit. Some bake. Some decorate. All of them give. Mama’s lessons now stretch through three generations.
Mama’s Influence Is Everywhere
When Gloria looks at her children and grandchildren, she sees her Mama’s touch. Mama is still present in their creativity, faith, and care for others.
Her Mama believed in beautiful surroundings and bettering oneself. Her presence lives on in simple acts and grand gestures alike. She may be gone in body, but her values are alive and active in the lives of those she raised.
A Legacy Built on Love and Wisdom
If Gloria had to sum up her Mama’s legacy in just a few words, she’d say: “She lived with hope, taught with heart, and left a lasting mark.”
Mama’s beliefs, values, and dreams continue to guide her children and grandchildren. She didn’t leave behind just things; she left behind purpose. She was a positive force in every room she entered and inspired countless others to live with grace and conviction.
A Legacy Remembered
Mama’s most powerful lesson, have your own, wasn’t about things, it was about freedom. It was about being grounded in who you are, speaking the truth, and walking with God.
Through each trial, Gloria leaned on that wisdom. Mama may have spoken in simple phrases, but her teachings were deep. Her legacy is not only remembered, it is lived. You can learn more about mama’s lessons in Transformation: How Mama’s Wisdom Unlocks the Secrets to Success: Mama Said by Dr. Teresa A. Smith.
Gloria B. Smith is a devoted wife, proud mother, and cherished community servant whose life has been rooted in faith, generosity, and service. Married for 57 years, she is the loving mother of three daughters, including Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Meredith Jefferies, and OnJerya T. Smith, and the proud grandmother of six.
Guided by the simple yet powerful mantra, “Help where you can,” Ms. Gloria has spent her life uplifting others through her unwavering commitment to her church, the Masonic and Order of Eastern Star family, and various civic organizations. Her dedication to serving others has made a lasting impact in her community, where she is known for her warmth, wisdom, and willingness to give.
Beyond her service, Gloria enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and baking, often using these talents to bring people together. Her deep faith and her mother’s sayings continue to be the foundation of her life, guiding her actions.
You can learn more about Mama’s wisdom from Ms. Gloria on YouTube
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