2
Tim 1:3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience,
as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your
tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of
your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your
mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I
remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the
laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and
love and self-control.
Brothers and sisters in the Keller church of
Christ responded to the question, “What has your mother given you?” Their
remarks are listed below in alphabetical order. After each set of comments, I
have added Scriptures that I think relate to the qualities that each person
named.
Vickie Bonham: Has taught me to be happy no matter what else is
going on around me because God watches over us. She has taught me that life is
sweet when you are with the right person. She showed me that love is
unconditional.
Heb 13:5 Keep your life free from
love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will
never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my
helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Agnes Burnett: My Grandmother raised me and I learned many things from this
strong Christian lady. My grandfather died young and left her with 7
girls to raise alone. She sewed, baked pies, cleaned houses, and still had time
for a huge garden and canning for winter. I am so thankful that I never gave up
on her becoming a Christian.
1. If you don’t have time to do something right
the first time, how will you ever find time to do it over. Works for me and
gives me more time for important things.
2. “People were given a name when they were
born. Call them by that name.” And I do.
3. “Alcohol and tobacco have never touched my
lips.” “I want you to be able to say that to your children and grandchildren.”
And I have.
Eph 5:15 Look carefully then how you
walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days
are evil.
John 1:42 He brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be
called Cephas” (which means Peter).
Prov 22:1 A good name is to be chosen
rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
Prov 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong
drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Mary Carl: My mother has given me so many gifts, but, the three I
cherish most are:
1. Sacrificial Love...
She selflessly cared for her ill parents and
my chronically and terminally ill father for twenty years. She worked full time
in order to keep our health insurance and during the rest of her time, she
cared for my brother and me, her parents, and my Dad. Since my Dad was the
"Bread-Winner" and couldn't work, my brother, myself, and Mom were
always working to pay the bills... She sacrificed her own health at this time
and her body shows the abuse it took for so long... Her days were not filled
with comfort and pleasantries but with sacrificial love. I can tell you that in
this time, I learned to put others above myself and to rely totally on God...
There was always enough food and money, even when it didn't come until the very
minute we needed it. We always had love and God's providence and, through it
all, she was determined that her children wouldn't miss the good stuff of life
because of our circumstances.
1 John 3:17 But if anyone has the
world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him,
how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or
talk but in deed and in truth.
2. Put people and relationships above all
else...
She taught me to have mercy on people and
overlook the emotion of the moment... She taught me compassion and hard work
and to love all people and to tame the tongue, even when people are obviously
wrong.
Prov 15:1 A soft answer turns away
wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
3. She has taught me to consult the Bible for
problems and life lessons.
Opinions were always there but the Bible is the
ultimate and true authority.
Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my
feet and a light to my path.
Debbie Ethridge: My Mom gives me a legacy of faith. I
am in a family that goes back far in history of being a member of the Church of
Christ. She has always been proud of that I have too!! My Mom taught me
to not disappoint her because that was the worst thing her child could do and
that kept us as her children to stay in check when walking in the light.....not
that we didn’t go into the darkness ever now and then. LOL My Mom taught
me when in doubt wear a dress, if it feels wrong don’t do it, and always
take care of your girlfriend relationships. No boy is worth losing a
girlfriend over. My Mom taught me how to dress like a lady, how to think like a
lady and how to talk like a lady. My Mom taught me how to be a Christian
wife, Mother and friend.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the
light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the
blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 Tim 1:5 The aim of our charge is
love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
Shelia Franklin: I was so blessed with a wonderful Christian
mother. Mother was a woman of small stature but the biggest servant’s heart I
know of, with the possible exception of her own father. My dad was not a
believer. That hindered some activities but it did not stop Mother. She taught
hundreds of mostly pre-school children to love Jesus. That is a legacy that is
now possibly into its fourth generation. In the days before seat belts, we
filled our car with neighborhood children to go to VBS. The most frequent picture
of Mother that comes to mind is of her sitting at the end of the kitchen table
with her Bible in her lap studying or of her working in her kitchen singing
“church” songs. Even when her memory seemed to be gone, she would respond to
the sound of “Jesus Loves Me” or other favorites and attempt to sing along. The
words were not clear but they were in her heart. She was a wonderful
example to all who knew her.
Matt 19:13 Then children were brought
to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the
people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the
little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the
kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on
them and went away.
Becky Goodnight: Humbleness and gratefulness. One
thing that has always stuck with me throughout the years is that my mother
devoted her time and resources to helping others not just because she is a
nurse but because she believes it is her gift from God. For years, I
traveled with her twice a month on Saturday mornings to visit our local
homeless shelter where she volunteered as a nurse. I grew up getting to know
the same faces from the shelter, watching them come back to visit my mother,
yet again. It amazed me that even in their poverty they showed her their gratefulness
in ways I have never seen. I am so very thankful to have experienced the
humbleness my mother had towards those people because it taught me to get
outside of myself and love people no matter where they are in life just as
Jesus did.
Matt 25:35 For I was hungry and you
gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you
welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed
me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.
Linda Gore: The most important thing my mother has given me is an
outstanding example of a Christian woman. She has always been a faithful
member of the church wherever she lives. At 89, she is still making cakes
or soups and taking them to her neighbors, especially when they are ill.
It is sad that her stroke has curtailed her energy some, but she continues
to do as much as she can. I thank God for every day she is with us.
Acts 9:36 Now there was in Joppa a
disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good
works and acts of charity.
Nannie Gene Hays: My mom was a very hard working lady who
worked hard all her married life. She worked outside the home until her mother
died & then she stayed home with the three kids. She raised all 5 of us and
gave us the love for the church. My father was not a member of the church &
was very difficult to live with. My mother stayed with him for us kids. She
sewed for other people in order to buy fabric to clothe us. She worked 3
gardens & canned & froze vegetables & fruit for the year. My mother
had a great work ethic in everything she did & she instilled that in us.
Daddy was demanding about a lot of things & usually ruled on everything,
but my mother set her foot down about where we went to church. It is because of
her that I was raised in the church. Daddy would have probably sent us to the
Baptist church. He didn’t go anywhere so Momma won on that argument. We were
sent to church every Sunday to get us out of the house. We walked a mile from
the time I was six many times with my younger sisters in tow. I am so thankful
for being raised to go to the church of Christ! My Mom was the best woman I
know. She was good hearted, hardworking, faithful and steadfast. It breaks my
heart to look back and think of all that I knew was going on, but powerless to
help her. The demons of alcohol were always present.
Prov 31:15 She rises while it is yet
night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and
buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She dresses herself with
strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is
profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
Gail Jaynes: I had a very special mom and a very special family. I
was adopted and thank God often for putting me into a wonderful family. A
loving family that loved God and each other. I have never had any
desire to find my biological family and never felt anything but loved. My
mom had a saying “You will never know it 100 years from now” don’t
worry about it”. I think of that often now. She also
said “Did you intentionally set out to do harm or hurt someone?” So
forgive yourself. God has.
Her advice on child rearing was to give lots of
hugs and never let them beg, or whine and Never ever allow a child to tell you
NO. You are the adult act like it. Also, mean what you say and say
what you mean.
I miss my mom every day and still hear her
laugh. Sometimes after almost 15 years I still think “Oh I’ll just go
call Mom” then realize she is not there.
I also had a wonderful grandma who was positive,
funny, loved children and loved to sing songs. She was born in 1898
and had very little formal education but loved learning and took advantage of
every opportunity she could to educate herself. She was my inspiration to
go to college. She became a Christian after her son (my dad) married
my mom. When I became a grandmother I thought I had very big shoes
to fill to be as wonderful a grandmother as the one I had.
This probably sounds a little random, but it is
hard to describe your mother or grandmother in a few words. It
brings back floods of memories good and not so good. But as you said the
older I get the more they are good. I could have had such a
different life if things had not gone just so that enabled me to find this
family. I will share the story with you some time truly God had his hand
in it. I feel thankful daily. I hope my children have as good of
memories of me.
2 Tim 1:3 I thank God whom I serve,
as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in
my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you,
that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith
that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am
sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into
flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit
not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Pam Joslen: My Mama
Practically everyone at Keller has heard me tell
some story about my mom. They all know how much I loved her and how much
I miss her. She was a wonderful example of a Christian wife, mother, Elder’s
wife and the most fun grandmother the kids could ever have. And I
honestly don’t think I would have found my way to Keller church of Christ
without her.
I had been in Keller several months and gone to
several “churches”. Nothing was like I was taught or read about in the
Bible. I was really frustrated and about to give up looking. One
day I was coming home from Kroger and my eyes caught the sign “This area
cleaned by the Keller Church of Christ. (I believe my mom swiveled my
head to see the sign!) I pulled over and googled the church on my iPhone
and found I was only two blocks away. I drove over and Diane let me
in. We talked about the church and within minutes I knew I had found my
home. That’s one of the last things my mom said to me before she passed –
she wanted me to find a good church. I have been blessed ever since the
first meeting with Diane.
When I was six years old I came down with strep
throat that turned into Rheumatic Fever. My heart was damaged and I was
put on complete bed rest for the next six months. I wasn’t allowed TV or
walking or any kind of excitement that might make my heart beat too fast.
At the time I complained mightily but never dreamed the hard work this brought
on my mother. She made every day seem special with surprise books, grab
bags, colored pencils or paper – she never seemed tired or overwhelmed.
It wasn’t until years later that I began to wonder how she did it. She
said she prayed a lot. Finally the heart doctor told my parents I could
get out of bed and start walking again. I was so excited – I tried to
walk to the car but for some reason my legs wouldn’t hold me up. At home
I discovered I didn’t have the muscle strength or coordination to walk.
My dad built a chair with rollers and I would push it all over the house with
mom right behind me ready to catch me when I fell. It took a while but by
seven I was back in school and only used my “disability” on gym days so I
wouldn’t have to do tumbling or climbing ropes.
Mom was 92 and had slowed down a little.
But she still would sneak away with the four wheeler and do things like hang
bluebird houses in the trees or climb the pear tree in the orchard and
when the branch broke she went tumbling to the ground. She wasn’t going
to tell me, but I asked where the bruises came from. We had this system:
when she would do something dangerous I would have her hold her arms up, raise
her eyebrows and stick out her tongue - checking for brain damage. Pretty
soon she started telling me tales of walking down the road, or driving her
wheel all the way to the back fence and then she’d stick her tongue out at me
just to be naughty!
One day we were sitting on the front porch and
she said, “I think you’d better call the kids. I’m only going to be here
another week.” I was dumbfounded. She hadn’t deteriorated or seemed
sick. When I asked why, she said, “My mama has been coming to me every night in
my dreams and telling me “Johnnie, it’s time for you to come home to me”.
I did as she said and called my brother and told him not to hurry. But
within five days I had to have hospice install a hospital bed. She waited
for her grandson to come and then my sister-in-law. She talked coherently
and told us all how much she loved each of us. (She also told a story
about a mink coat and hidden money that really didn’t exist!). And on the
last day of her “week” we were all around her bed; she told us again she loved
us and closed her eyes and quit breathing within the next five minutes.
My mom was 93 when she closed her eyes for that last time.
Matt 6:33 But seek first the kingdom
of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Heb 11:13 These all died in faith,
not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them
from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the
earth. 14 For people who speak thus
make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking
of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to
return. 16 But as it is, they desire a
better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be
called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
Amanda Killough: My mother has given me a multitude of
things, as I’m sure all mothers do; unsolicited advice, disapproving glares,
and of course the occasional blind date set up when it seemed all hope was lost
because I was the only one on the planet not married yet :-) But the one I
remember most is the gift of perseverance. In high school it helped me
decide to change my course from sports to choir my senior year, despite my love
of basketball; in college I managed to push through coming down with chicken
pox at the end of one term just to have to turn around and take my finals and
start new classes at the same time; and finally, to me most importantly, it
helped me see through the pain of struggling to have children for so many
years, knowing that I was just meant to be a mom no matter how that happened.
I know God was behind it all but it was surely nice to have it all gift
wrapped in the form of my mother.
1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved
brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Darrell Lusignan: First my mother gave me life, and what a
gift that is. Secondly she taught me how to love and be loved, and she
has always been available for support when she is needed.
1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved
us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one
another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
Susan Lusignan: My mom is my hero. Not only did she
give me life but she has stepped up when I had nobody else and took care of me
after I had a really disabling stroke in 1992. She moved me into her
home, gave me the master bedroom so I could be closer to a bathroom, she took
care of me physically because I was totally paralyzed on my right side and took
me to physical therapy, dropped me off once I was able, at a bus stop on her
way to work, so I could retrain to do a different job so I could go back to
work which took a whole year. She took care of all my financial needs
until my disability came through and anything they wouldn’t cover. She
exercised my leg each night for months, hauled me around in a wheelchair, we
had numerous trips to the ER, etc. I was totally dependent on her.
She did all this while working a full time job. She was single so
she had no other support aside from her salary. She didn’t make me feel
guilty or bad or like I was imposing. Because of her I was able to see my
children on the weekends (they had to go live with their father). Through
the years she has supported me and helped make it possible for me to work for
15 more years. I would not have been able to recover as well as I did had
it not been for her. Once I was able to have the children back (when they
were in high school) she allowed us to live with her because I was not strong
enough to work and raise children alone. Now that I am able to be independent
and have remarried, she has taken in my grown daughter who had some problems
and let her live with her so she really had no time or not much time as an
adult when she was not caring for or helping me or my children. I think
her efforts are extraordinary and show that a mother’s love is never ending.
I love her very much. She has been an excellent example to me of what a
mother’s love is.
Phil 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
Clarice Langat: Three characteristics that come to mind
when I think about my mom: Hospitable, Passionate for the Word, and
Zealous for God! Three traits I hope to pass on to my own children...
Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love
continue. 2 Do not neglect to show
hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in
prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you
also are in the body.
Julie Lyons: My mom Mary L. Smith brought me up to love
the Lord and to be a servant to others. She used to tell me that when you
serve others that is the greatest joy anyone can have and to always do it with
enjoyment and love. She taught me how to be a good wife to my husband,
how to cook and take care of a home. She was and is a daily bible reader
and just seeing this was a wonderful example to me. She taught me
how to be a good mother and to always stand firm in the faith no matter
what. I could go on and on about what all she has done for me and
continues to do. Special gifts she has given me are ALL the gifts she has
given me, but most of all her love, example as a Christian woman and her
selflessness. She truly puts others first and herself last.
Mark 10:43 But it shall not be so
among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first
among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served
but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Sue Martin: My Mother gave me encouragement to strive for the good
things in life like: genuine and true Love for God, my family, and
friends. She gave me a lot of things, some I am not too proud of, but she
always wanted me to be happy. She gave me the encouragement to be happy. I
could go on but I won’t.
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another
every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by
the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if
indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
Bob Musgrove: My mother, father, sisters and me were in the car traveling to
Birmingham. We were going around 40 MPH and my sister Jenny opened her door and
fell out of the car onto the pavement. Immediately my mother jumped out
of the front door onto the pavement at 40 MPH to save my sister. Mom’s
wounds were 2 knees badly injured and lots of cuts and bruises all over her
body. God answered my mother’s love and concern as my sister, Jenny must
have been like a rubber ball as she bounced off the pavement and immediately
started chasing the car.
A mother’s love, “You bet!”
Quality Mom taught me - “Love your children” and
children love your parents. Children obey your parents in The Lord for this is
right. That it may be well with you and that you may live long on the
earth. Eph 6:1ff
Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents
in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the
first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you
may live long in the land.”
Prov 1:8 Hear, my son, your father’s
instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
Prov 6:20 My son, keep your father’s
commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.
Armentia Newcomb: A strong faith! Hospitality. Laughter
Prov 17:22 A joyful heart is good
medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Carolyn Noles: When my mother died, her sister, my aunt raised me from the
age of three. Her love of the Lord guided our family. She always
told me, “Carolyn Joyce, it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to
be nice...” She also said, “You’ve been taught right from wrong.
We expect you to do what’s right. However, if you make poor choices
it will never change my love for you.” She truly loved me
unconditionally! I faced adversities in my childhood, but my aunt was my
redeeming factor. She was the great “equalizer” that tilted my life
toward the positive! She was the most important person in my life and
deserves most of the credit for the woman I’ve become...
Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever
is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is
anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and
received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace
will be with you.
1 Cor 13:7 Love bears all things,
believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.
Irma Nuncio: My mother taught me never to give up on the ones
you love. That love never fails!
Jimmy Pledger: My Mom has taught me how to be courageous in the face of health
problems and having to start over, to learn how to drive again, to count money,
to cook and write. She worked her way back from 2 benign brain rumors,
only to live with Alzheimer’s in her mid 70s to present day. She is my
hero!
1 Cor 16:13 Be watchful, stand firm in
the faith, act like men, be strong.
Eric Richardson: Discipline, I recall especially in the
summer each day we had a list of chores to complete before we could get on our
bikes and disappear for the day.
Prov 6:6 Go to the ant, O sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise. 7 Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, 8 she prepares her bread in
summer and gathers her food in harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When
will you arise from your sleep?
Gayland Roberts: My mother suffered from rheumatoid
arthritis from her 40s until her death when she was 78. I remember many
times in the early years of her disease that I would massage her wrists
and arms as she cried from the pain. The disease eventually left her with
hands and feet that were in the most deformed state that I have ever
seen. There was very little that she could do with her
hands. For example, in partaking of the emblems during communion
someone had to assist her and help hold the cup and bread.
During all of those years I never heard her say “Why me?” or that life was
unfair. I never heard her question why the Lord was allowing her to
suffer. She certainly showed me, my sister, and others how to handle the
difficulties of life. I hope I learned what I should have from her
example and will only know when and if I face such difficulties.
Phil 2:14 Do all things without
grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent,
children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted
generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Kimberly Smith: My mother has given me many things
throughout my lifetime but one thing that I see more and more as I grow older
is the love of the Church and how important it is in the life of a
Christian. Growing up I was never to miss worship for any reason unless I was
sick. Now that I am older I can see it was more than just putting a star on an
attendance chart. It is about fellowship, encouragement, accountability, and
family. I feel sad and lost whenever I can’t meet with the body of Christ.
Thank you, Mom, for giving me the love of the Church.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider how to
stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet
together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the
more as you see the Day drawing near.
Kali, Erin, Michael, and Anna Taft: Our mom has given us a great life, a dog,
good food, love, care, a dad, an iPad, advice, awesomeness, wisdom, shortness,
knowledge, integrity, and hope. This is to our mom Paula Taft from Kali, Erin,
Michael, and Anna Taft!
Prov 10:9 Whoever walks in integrity
walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
Prov 28:6 Better is a poor man who
walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
Kathleen Whitson: I deeply appreciate that my Mom kept me in
the Word. We didn’t have a car and so My Mom, my Grandmother and I walked to
church. It was about 20 blocks from our house, so we couldn’t go at
night. We had a Bible study on Sunday afternoons and I was required to
keep a notebook. I didn’t value it then, but its importance revealed
itself as I grew older.
My Mom taught me to budget money. I don’t
remember the exact age that she began to give me an allowance, about 6 I think,
but it was 5 cents, but first I had to show her how I would budget it
beginning with what amount I would give at church. I recognized the value
of that from the very beginning. Our church had a “slogan contest” as
part of our contribution pledge month. I won one week with the slogan
“Put in a penny so we’ll have plenty.” Each year on my birthday, she
would give me a raise, but first I had to create a budget for her approval and
at the top was always the contribution for church.
Now, however, it is breaking my heart to watch
my Mother slowly slip away into very tiny world with little understanding
beyond taking her medication and trying to eat. She is now on palliative
care with hospice. She is teaching me the many roles and challenges of
being a good care giver.
I just wanted to share reflections on the care
giver role to clarify what it is my Mother is teaching me now. I learned
much about being a care giver in physical, emotional and spiritual support with
all of John’s illnesses. But there is a distinct difference in caregiving
through a medical journey with the end point a celebration of wellness and the
more challenging role of providing all of that support for a chronic illness or
for one that leads only to the end of this earthly life. I’ve experienced
that with friends and a couple of my aunts, but none where I was the sole
caregiver.
I don’t know why, I just felt compelled to send
these additional thoughts. Probably because it is such a large part of my life
right now and my full retirement is just weeks away. There are many
chapters of my life closing so close together, but I am filled with
anticipation of what God has purposed for me next.
2 Cor 9:7 Each one must give as he
has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a
cheerful giver.
Col 3:12 Put on then, as God’s
chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility,
meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a
complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you,
so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds
everything together in perfect harmony.
Elke Yates: Cory, what stands out in my mind about my mother is that she
had a strong faith even before she became a Christian. She found herself
in many dangerous situations under communism in East Germany but she always
said God was with her every step of the way, therefore she did not fear.
She was very industrious and very generous. Someone actually said, that
her heart was as big as Texas. Another employee of hers said that they
learned from her to be organized and not to be wasteful. I agree with all
of it and try to live up to it. Another thing, she came to this country in her
forties, had to learn English and never ever was a burden to society, she
always paid her way.
Is 41:10 fear not, for I am with
you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help
you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Prov 11:25 Whoever brings blessing
will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
Patricia Zehner: My mom. Wow how do I start. And you only want
three things.
Her faith
Loving
Kindness
Compassion
Tenderness
Helping others
Never critical of others
Soft spoken
And always making me believe in myself
I lost her 33 years ago but she is still on my
heart and her traits she exhibited.
Phm 1:4 I thank my God always when
I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith
that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing
of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing
that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from
your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed
through you.
If you would like to add
comments about your mother, please do!
