My Mother, My Friend

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13

    My mom wasn't one to idly loaf around. Even when watching television, if she saw a cobweb lurking in a corner, she'd jump up to swat it down. 

    One of her favorite pastimes was crocheting afghans because she could be productive while watching Judge Judy. She'd usually select two colors that complimented each other well before setting to task using her favorite chevron pattern. Her fingers would fly, the hook a blur; she made it look effortless. The joy of creating something was evidently edifying to her as she showed me her latest work when I'd come by.

    My mom went home to Jesus almost nine years ago; I miss her sorely. When I was reading one of my favorite psalms this morning (Psalm 139), it dawned on me that before my mother was, God is. It was He who chose a bit of my father and a tad of my mom and married the two together to create me, an original work. With nimble fingers of grace and wisdom, he "knit me together in my mother's womb."

    He whose angels escorted my mom home, will come for me as well, taking me to be with Him (and her) for all eternity. Oh, what a friend I have in Jesus! Of all the wonderful things my mom did for me, the one that means the most is introducing me to Him, her best friend and Savior and mine as well.

    For Mother's Day some years ago, I wrote this poem for her:

My Mother, My Friend

From pinning my diapers

And tying my shoes,

To playing board games

When I had the blues, you were

My Mother, my friend.

From mending my clothes

And forcing me to school,

To taking me to church

To learn the Golden Rule, you were

My Mother, my friend.

From enduring my cats

And fixing dinner,

To soaping my mouth

When I was a sinner, you were

My Mother, my friend.

From teaching me manners

And all social graces,

You encouraged me to make

Friends in all places, you were

My Mother, my friend.

From teen to woman

And all stuff in between,

You always stood by me

And you'll forever be...

My Mother, my friend.

Christ, my Liberator

 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Isaiah 61: 1-3

    It is possible to live in bondage, even in the midst of freedom.

    One would think, living in America with all its liberties, we'd be the happiest, most united people on the globe. There would be love for our neighbors, fellowship among the races and a sense of peace as we went about our daily lives. 

    Instead, we are faced with wrangling politicians, random acts of violence, limp churches and profound loneliness. Is this liberty?

    Our founding fathers constituted a God-given plan designed to promote our general welfare, provide for our common defense and grant everyone a pursuit of happiness, but at the core of our human nature, we have not been set free until we have met Jesus Christ, humbly repenting of our sins to receive "freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." 

    In the eighth chapter of the gospel of John, Jesus is hashing things out with the Pharisees, most of whom do not believe in Him. Jesus said: "Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now, a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed." (vs. 34-36)

    Peal the bells of liberty; Jesus has freed us from slavery to sin. Clothed in His righteousness, we can then go out and love our neighbor, aid the hungry, curb the loneliness and bring comfort to those who mourn. "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me." (Matthew 25:40)

    I have an inspirational quote by John F. Kennedy taped in a prominent spot which says, "The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God." Look not to Washington; Christ is our Liberator.

"To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8: 31, 32

The Lion and the Lamb

 "Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals." Genesis 2: 19, 20

    A crisp, sunny morning beckoned my walk to the marsh. Before leaving my yard, a cardinal heralded my presence from his perch in the oak above. I paused to see this scarlet singer, marveling at the pure sound of his praise.

    Farther along, the lament of a mourning dove slowed my step out of respect. 

    Along the serpentine stretch of road leading to the lagoons, a wary mother goose eyed me from her nest, likely wondering if I were friend or foe. I reassured her that, as a mom myself, I understood her caution.

    Encouraged by the sweet aroma of a honeysuckle vine, a paused to drink it in while the sharp caw of the red-winged blackbird bid me go. 

    'Twasn't long before I felt the staring amber eye of a grey heron, watching me from his stalwart position on the bank. His prehistoric silhouette frightened me a little, I admit.

    At water's edge, a wee white butterfly sipped her morning brew from a wildflower as the flurry of a nervous cottontail bunny diverted my attention. How I wished he wouldn't fear me.

    Over my head, the chattering industrious purple martins were bustling about their business of raising their families within the curious white gourds they called home. I imagined the mothers discussing the antics of their children or the housecleaning they needed to do.

    Regretfully, it was time to head to my home. My trek of treasures was punctuated by one last lovely sight: the domed home of a turtle was spotted, its owner stretching his neck to my Creator and his, as he gratefully accepted God's gift of sun and water. 

    As I walked, I pondered Adam's task of giving names to all of these creatures. Perhaps, prior to the curse which sin brought, these were not fearful of man. Perhaps it will be that way once again when we, who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, will dwell in the paradise of the new heaven and the new earth. The fear of evil will have been abolished; peace will have been restored.

    It's curious to me that Jesus is referred to as both a Lion and a Lamb, for only in Him, will all things wild and tame be married peaceably. What a day that will be!

    "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together, and a little child will lead them." Isaiah 11:6

No Trespassing

 "Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup: you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." Psalm 16: 5, 6

    We once had a neighbor who was a tad off. He did his best work alone, at night, when most everyone was tucked in. Though I knew he meant no harm, it was a bit disconcerting to be awakened by a scritching noise, peer out the bedroom window and see him below in our yard, pulling weeds and watering the garden.

    As I write this, I gaze out upon our back yard where we now live, gratitude welling in my heart for this lot to call our own, at least for a breadth of time. The only trespassers we experience these days have feather or fur (or snake skin!).

    There's a house on the corner yonder way which has several "No Trespassing" signs posted. When I walk past, I think, "I wouldn't want to go there anyhow. I have a lovely yard of my own."

    Spiritually speaking, my Lord has given me a lush Garden of Eden where I am sustained by the Bread of Life while rivers of grace fill my cup to overflowing. The parameters He has set in place render security and keep predators at bay. The Bible describes this as a fortress, a haven of rest. 

    Should I ever roam, as I have regretfully done in the past, He comes looking for me. "For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them." (Ezekiel 34:11) He brought me back to the fold.

    Is it a coincidence that the word "trespass" is a synonym for sin? When saying the Lord's Prayer, we implore, "And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." (Matthew 6:12) When I trespass, I wander into territories that are fraught with dangers, like entering unknown properties. What is there to gain in that when I have a beautiful place to call my own?

    And so, in Christ I have my home, my dwelling place for all eternity where I am protected from all evil by his rod and his staff.  There's no place like home.

"Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever." Psalm 112: 1, 3

No Fear

 "Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes." Psalm 112:6-8

    Have you ever disturbed a nest of ants and observed their frenzied displeasure? Last week, Satan poked a stick into our family's nest.

    Our daughter called from Texas: "I've an emergency! Please pray." Our granddaughter, Esme, aged two and a half, fell from a second floor window to a bed of river rock below, landing on her back. Our frantic reaction to this news began requests for prayers which were dispatched immediately.

    Meanwhile, in the ambulance, plans were discussed to divert the course to a hospital that specialized in spinal cord injuries when Esme was unresponsive to sensation on her feet. 

    The Bible assures us that God hears our prayers. "I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears...The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." (Psalm 34: 4, 17) We were crying out and He was listening because that little gal wriggled her toes! There was no need for a spinal specialist because the Great Physician gave the diagnosis.

    Scans revealed no fractures, only a mild concussion. A follow up visit proved the sovereignty of God as the baffled doctor stated, "Someone was watching out for this little one!" Today, she is an active as-if-nothing-happened toddler.

    Why is it so important to attend church, especially if there are so many great sermons online? It's because, like those ants, there's unity in the body of Christ. Had this tragedy occurred to an unbeliever, calls to friends and family may incur thoughts and bring assistance, but how much more power is there in the prayers of the righteous being heard by the living God?

    When one of God's children sounds the alarm, an army responds. I thank God and all who prayed.

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3

When Time Stood Still

 "Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge." Psalm 16:1

    On this sunny Saturday, I had just finished devouring the sixteenth Psalm over breakfast when our daughter called. 

    "I've an emergency! I need prayer right away!" she implored.

    At that moment, time stood still as my heart thudded in my ears and tears sprang to my eyes. Though we stay as closely connected as possible given there are 1400 miles between us, the distance at that moment was incredibly palpable. A helpless dread threatened at the door.

    But I serve a risen Savior, One who is active in my day-to-day, so when fear engulfed me, faith took command of the situation. All the basic training I'd ever received at bible study boot camps sprang to life as I hit my knees, rapidly claiming the promises of God as if I were drawing up a battle plan. Memorized verses came from my holster. I initiated waves of communication to the family of God to pray without ceasing. And when the words would not come, the Holy Spirit interceded for me (Romans 8:26). 

    Had I lived in her town, of course I would have gone straight to her, but Jesus, to Whom has been given all authority under heaven, has the power to enter hearts and hospital rooms that would have been closed to me. He was in the ambulance. He directed the physicians. He posted his angels on guard. All hail the power of Jesus' Name!

"I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8

Bend the Knee

 "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." Luke 9:26

    Beneath the brilliant sky of blue, my husband and I attended a track meet to see my sister's grandson compete. As we approached the field, it was easy to spot Mason, tall and blonde. Finding a vantage spot on the fence line opposite the pole vault area, we enjoyed the sunshine watching students from many local school districts competing. 

    Time and again, this student and that one did their best to vault above the bar until finally I saw Mason grasp his pole. I was excited to see how he'd do, but it was what he did prior to his athletic attempt that both thrilled and humbled me.

    He bent on one knee and bowed his head to God in prayer.

    There, in the center of a busy field of activity, time seemed to stop as I saw this young man of fourteen humble himself before his Savior. 

    It caused me to ask how many times have I paused to pray in public areas? Or am I prone to go along with the crowd, not wanting to call attention to Jesus by my actions?

    Though Mason's way was not pharisaical in any way, he introduced Jesus to others who may not know Him by putting his faith into action.

    Whether he won the competition or not became secondary to the victory he claimed on bended knee in an athletic field. He is a winner.

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2: 9-11