“You had my mother give birth to me. You made me trust you while I was just a baby. I have leaned on you since the day I was born; you have been my God since my mother gave me birth.”(Ps. 22:9-10, NCV)
My aunt, my mother’s sister, sent me an old picture. In the picture was my mother holding a baby and standing next to her sister. I asked my aunt if it was me that my mother was holding, but my aunt wasn’t sure. I’d like to believe it was me because the baby is holding on to my mom, grasping her shirt, but the baby is looking the other way. I want it to be me….
Of course, that picture brought back memories, some emotions, and yes, questions. Oh, how I wish my mother was still alive. I wish I could talk to her, get motherly advice, and have long conversations on the phone. I wish we could meet for lunch and dinner; and take frequent trips to see her. I would watch my mother as she’d spend time with my children, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
My mother died when I was four. Therefore, I only remember a small glimpse of her and the things she did. I know she was very charming and a joy to be around. She was so beautiful! She had dark mocha skin, a gorgeous figure, and an infectious smile that was like a breath of fresh air. Her smile lit up the room and made a lasting impression on everyone. She was stunning!
I hear stories of how my mother would gather all the neighborhood children, along with her children, nieces and nephews. With a switch in the one hand, a bible in the other hand, she’d take us all to church. And wow! Did she have a voice! She had a voice like an angel! Boy, she could sing!! When she’d lead a sung, the Holy Spirit would have His way, using her voice to tear up the church! I wish I could hear her voice now or remember her sound. I know it must have been heavenly!
With her voice and her radiant spirit, she was a blessing to others. Looking at that photograph brings back old memories, old emotions, and those same old questions. There are so many things I need to know. I’ve heard people say, “Don’t question God!” But I say, “If I can’t ask my Daddy, who knows all things, who can I ask?
Even though I have my questions and I wish my mother could have lived to see me grow up to become an adult, wife, mother, grandmother, and a godly woman, I know without a shadow of a doubt, all of this was part of God’s plan. My Father’s purpose for me is perfect and wise! His desire is not to harm His children, but to give us a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11).
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again– my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 42:11, NLT)
So, as I reminisce about my dear mother, I can be glad and rejoice in the Lord. I can be joyful because “…my hope is in the Lord. He gives me confidence that this world doesn’t know. He’s the Lord of creation and whatever the situation, I’m glad for my hope is in the Lord!” (Sing it Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir!)
Here’s a scripture passage that I have been clinging to for some time now. It has given me that push when I wanted to quit. May God’s Words bless you and give you confidence in the Him. May it remind all of us to keep our eyes on God!
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”(Jer. 29:11, NKJV)
My sisters, though our past may have been dark and gloomy, but because of God, we have a future that’s bright and promising! Have a blessed Thursday!
Encouraging You to Walk in Freedom! ™
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