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A Mother’s Devotion

December 1999

A Mother’s Devotion

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. Isaiah 66:13

For the love of others

When I found out Mama was attempted in the hospital I caught the first flight heading to Texas. The preliminary cause was her inability to move due to thyroid problems.

After landing at DFW airport I headed west to Fort Worth, hospital bound. It came to no surprise to find Mama surrounded by a host of friends who cared and loved her dearly.  As conversations swirled in the small room, I could see Mama looked satisfactory but there were obvious signs she was tired, weak, and feeble.  Another shocking sight, she had long ragged finger nails. Mama never wore long nails they were always cut short. Was it because of her inability to clip nails or just tired?

Over the next several weeks I camped out in my Mama’s hospital room, tending and taking care of her in ways I never thought.

Her restless nights were laced with moans, groans, fighting in her sleep. Attempts to get out of bed but with her weak conditions she fail several times. Like a sixth sense I slept less, became attentive, concerned and on constant alert.

In between frequent checks to insure her safety and comfort the mind’s eye reflected on my childhood, when I would awake and find Mama sitting on my bed tending to my ailments.  A mother’s love is everlasting.  Mama sacrificed her sleep to insure I was okay.  Now it was my turn.

Making decisions for parents

About the fifth day it was apparent Mama was sick and once discharged she could not stay alone. The day had come where I had to make the decision for Mama’s well being. Yet I could not muster up the strength to tell Mama she has to move to Atlanta with me or reside in an assisted living facility. There was clear and present danger ahead. This strong willed and independent woman I grew to love was not going to accept this without a fight.

As the evening sun set upon the western horizon of Fort Worth, I stared at the brilliant red orange colors which filled the sky. In the midst of tranquility God’s invisible hand moved. What was perceived as being a debate became a painless conversation of acceptance. Our silence ended when Mama spoke, “you can have the car, sell the house, I am moving to Atlanta with you.”  A sense of peace filled my spirit. God causes all things to work together for good to those who love the Lord.

In our admiration Mama had a sudden urge to go to the restroom. In her current condition walk was labored and required assistance. There was no time for the aid of a nurse. Needless to say I was not fast enough to react either.  Mama had an accident in the bed, on the floor and all over herself. My first thought was to clean my mother.  As I removed soiled clothes and begin to wash her, tears flowed from her eyes, “I am so embarrassed, you don’t need to clean me call the nurses.”  There was a moment of silence.  “Mama do not be embarrassed that is what I’m here for.” As she sobbed, I reminded her “I would be less of a son if I could not do for you what you did for me as a child.”

After dressing Mama she hugged me and kissed me for the last time.

A mother’s love

A mother’s love runs deep.

She is a nurturing, loving, and gentle person.

She is understanding, leads by example, supportive, and will sacrifice herself for the well being of her family. 

A mother is a virtuous woman worth more than any precious stone

A mother’s touch heals all pains and mends broken hearts. Her unwavering faith is unprecedented.  She will never let you endure anything alone.

Just as days ebb and flow like waves of the sea, tears often flow from me. A day never passes without thinking of my Mama. I long to hear her words of wisdom, and every so often I pick up the telephone to call but stop. Though Mama is not here today her spirit lives on within me. Mama, fly high on this your day and know I will be forever loving you...

Happy Mother’s Day

Many of you are blessed to still have a mother. Cherish the precious moments. Take time to call, visit and love her not just on Mother’s Day.

May this day be filled with joy and many blessings! Make it a great Mother’s Day.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the creation of mothers.  Thank you for blessing them with a loving and nurturing spirit.  I ask that you bless mothers on this day.  Fill them with your Holy Spirit. Bless everything they touch, covering them with your Grace and Mercy now and forever more.Amen.

The most hated creation of God...Fathers

World's Greatest Dad

Read: Proverbs 23:10-26

Honor thy father…. Exodus 20:12

Loving or Hating Dad

Love or hate your father, God tells us to reverence, obey and honor our parents. This is notated in both the Old and New Testament (see Eph. 6:1-3). Despite your feelings about dear old dad how do you show your love toward him – by word, action, deed, or nothing at all?

Father's Day is 6th 

Thinking of dad is typically an after thought or a last minute rush to the store. Of celebrated holidays, Father’s Day is ranked 6^th on the biggest holidays for spending list. I guess that is why thoughtless gifts of mugs, ties, socks underwear, and “world’s greatest dad” T-shirts top the gift list.

Dad may not be the most fashionable, or his appearance the most appealing. His face my show signs of worry or a stare lost in space. His words may be stern yet he listens and comforts you when in pain. For years he hustles around to get things together never once has he complained?

Fathers are unique

Fathers are unique creatures that God created and are often misunderstood. These men give their all to smooth the way for a small child. He is called upon in times of distress taking up the slack with a generous spirit. There are times humility shines bright.

Father's imperfect qualities 

Fathers have values – be it right or wrong they stand by them. Some have fallen short or did not meet your expectations. But to receive the full blessings of God we, as His children, have to heed the words of Solomon – my son do not forget my teaching, keep my commands in your heart for they will prolong your life Proverbs 3:1.

These imperfect qualities make dad loved and respected and sometimes hated. Regardless as to how you feel about your dad remember him on Father’s Day. Call, send a card or stop by to say hello. Because without Dad there is no you!

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all earthly fathers, dads, and pops.  For without their union with mothers there will be no me!  I thank you for the fathers those who are doing their part and for those still trying to get it.  Lord Bless each man give them the wisdom, knowledge and power to overcome short comings, doubt, fear, and disbelief.  Help me to encourage and uplift them so they can be all the man you want them to be in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

PRAYER REQUEST:

People are experiencing hardship, distress, doubt, and worry. To combat the perils of life The Souls Remedy offer comfort through prayer. Your life concerns are important to us. Click the link to be added to The Souls Remedy Prayer List 

Caught in the Act: God sees all

Who Love Birthday cake?

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and lay bare before the eyes of Him who we must give account.  Hebrews 4:13

God sees all

There is no hiding from God. Everything is in plain sight. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord know it completely Psalm 139:4. He knows when we slumber, rise, and sit. God is watching constantly. If man could fathom the thought that God is capable of doing all these things it should keep man from sin and mistake? But for some reason people trick themselves in believing they cannot be caught in the act.

February and birthday cakes

When I was child, February was love supreme. I counted the days leading up to that majestic moment. Not because of Valentine’s Day – it was my birthday month! It was not gifts or parties that brought excitement but moist, tasty, buttery, creamy birthday cake – a decadent display of eatable art. There was no need for party favors, traditional singing or blowing out candles I wanted to cut the cake. 

It's My Party

One year my antsy cake fixation got the best of me. Despite many warnings of “don’t touch the cake” I concocted a plain to steal a taste of “my” birthday cake!  A few quick swipes of icing led to gouging two fingers deep into the vanilla cake. My craving was satisfied. The evidence was covered with more icing. Since mom did not see me everything was all right. But I soon realized mothers – just like God can see all.

No hiding from God

David reminds us there is no place to hide from God.  Where can I go from your Spirit where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7 Yet society justifies their actions in a childlike manner based on the fact they were not caught in the act. Wake up!  Do you not realize God never sleeps – He sees all and knows all?   

Fooling God

God knows everything about us – mind, heart, and soul.  He knows our personalities, concealed fantasies, and hidden motives. As the saying goes – “you can fool some of the people some of the time” but no one can pull the wool over God’s eyes. His word is more than letters on a page; they live. For the unbelievers who doubt they can never get caught, God’s word reminds us that they are alive and active. It is sharper than any double-edged sword; it penetrates even to dividing souls and spirit. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart Hebrews 4:12.

Just as I learned there was no great escape from mom’s wrath there is no escaping God. How good and sweet it would be if everyone were free of sin based on the mere fact that every word, action and deed is witnessed by God. Lord help your children to do nothing which would cause them to hide from you.