I Know Whom I Have Believed...


Sunday, May 10, 2009

The One God Gave Me


How can I say "Thank You" to someone who does so much and expects nothing in return?

How can I sing praises of someone whose life is a song too beautiful to put into words?

How can I let her know that the sacrifices she made and the long hours she spent doing special things for her family did not go unnoticed?

How in the world do I express the love and gratitude for all the many times she was there when I needed her...and even when I thought I didn't and could do things on my own she was patiently waiting for me to turn to her?

I could write hundreds of books or thousands of blog posts and never come close to describing all the ways my Mother is so special to me...

Constantly serving and never taking...

Exemplifying a humble attitude...

Sharing unconditional love...

Always ready to lay down her life for her family and protect them from harm...


So similar to the love of Jesus...

Momma shows this Christ-like love by tender words of encouragement and reassurance. Her actions speak even louder as she personifies Matthew 23:11.

The greatest among you will be your servant.

Matthew 23:11 NIV


She is always ready to lift up prayers for others as soon as a need arises. Momma has a special discernment for when something is wrong or when something is very right. Her prayers have wrapped hedges around her family that the enemy cannot cross. Oh, the blessing of a praying Mother!

Momma has many talents and sewing is one of her specialties. We were always dressed in the finest custom made clothes because her ability to transform bolts of cloth, thread, and embellishments rivaled the world's top designers. Even our Barbie dolls and baby dolls had custom made clothing!


She played games, sang songs, and created fantasy play worlds for her two girls and then for her five grandsons. Week long monopoly marathons, basketball games until the fireflies appeared, jigsaw puzzles, and cooking lessons made Memaw's house a favorite place to visit during the summer. The great grands come to visit now and she always has a novelty toy or game ready to delight and thrill the young ones.


Several years ago I witnessed a side to Momma I had never seen. She literally saved the life of her Daddy. His health had declined rapidly and he was not receiving the proper care. Momma went into offense mode and with the help and guidance of the Lord turned the situation completely around. She faced seemingly insurmountable odds and had to break through numerous road blocks. She held on to what she knew was right and her strong spirit was able to bring my "Poppie" to the place he needed to be.


All during this time her health was declining, too, and Daddy was also having health issues. Momma drew strength from that "Fount of many blessings" and pressed on in amazing ways that clearly showed the hand of the Lord was moving things into place.

During Poppie's last few months, Momma was by his side making sure anything he would need or want was supplied. Her tender loving care by his bedside was so precious that my eyes blur as I write this. The last few hours before he left us, Momma knelt against his bed and sang one his favorite hymns. Poppie could not move or speak, but big tears began flowing from the corners of his eyes until his spirit slipped away to be with the Lord. It was one of the sweetest moments I have ever experienced and a memory I will cherish always.

So for Mother's Day 2009, I say to my dear Momma...




I love you...


I treasure you...


I appreciate you...


And I thank God for you!



5 thoughts:

~hon~ said...

Oh neat! I always remember Song of Solomon whenever I see Lily of the Valley.

I need to catch up so much in your blog. I'm very sorry if I haven't commented yet. I will catch up tonight.

You are incomparably unique and beautiful, dear friend and mother.

Carrie said...

You definitely have a way with words!!!! This was so sweet and true. Memaw is definitely living Christ in her every day! I have so enjoyed your writings on this every day. Happy Mother's Day!

LisaShaw said...

This touched my heart so much and I'm so glad to see all the beautiful photos.

Happy Mother's Day precious Sister.

Julie said...

Hey my friend, I hope your Mother's Day has been blessed. I love how you honored your Mom & Mother-in-law. Beautiful words of honor, my friend.!

You have a beautiful heart....

Denise said...

What a beautiful tribute to your sweet mom....... Beautiful memories that will keep you many many years to come........ We raised ourselves, Mom had such personal issues that kept her from being a nurturer ....... I would have liked that.......

Have a Happy Mothers Day

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