It could be argued that the greatest tragedy one could face is losing a spouse or a child. But I’ve seen people remarried and have other children. I have friends in both camps. Not to minimize those circumstances but how do you replace a mother’s love? You don’t because you can’t.
On October 30th of the year 2007, my mom went into the presence of God. She is now better off but the world is slightly dimmer.
There are times in my personal Christianity where the barrier between the present world, the world of our senses, and the next world of eternality seem thick. Sometimes it is failed expectations, my personal sin, or times where everything seems spiritually dry and stagnate. During these times God seems so distant and estranged.
Then there are other times where God’s presences never felt more real. Something happens that makes the wall of this present world and eternality seem inches apart, “and the things of earth grow strangely dim.” This is one of those times for me. I have never experience so much pain and peace, so much sorrow and joy, being extremely disheartened and yet abounding in hope. The pain of losing my mom so suddenly but the peace in knowing that she is with Jesus, the sorrow in missing my mom and her support but the joy in knowing that I will see her again, extremely disheartened because I wish I could have been a better son but hopeful knowing that she would want me to be okay and continue to serve the Lord and I will honor her in doing just that.
My mom was one of the most exceptional persons I’ve ever known. She had an amazing love for the Lord Jesus and it manifested in her flourishing joy, plentiful giving, and a deep concern for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior to hear the gospel. Now, she is safe in heaven forever, beyond the reach of sorrow, sin, and Satan. She is happy because she is now with the Lord that she so deeply loves.
It’s always difficult during these times to have a balance of honoring the person that has passed as well as honoring the Lord. In these next couple of stories that gives us a glimpse into my mother’s character it is not my intention to exalt a person over the Lord but to exalt my mother because of the Lord and the work that He has done in her life. No doubt that I could fill books of wonderful stories of my mom and her amazing life but because of time I will only give a couple.
On October 30th of the year 2007, my mom went into the presence of God. She is now better off but the world is slightly dimmer.
There are times in my personal Christianity where the barrier between the present world, the world of our senses, and the next world of eternality seem thick. Sometimes it is failed expectations, my personal sin, or times where everything seems spiritually dry and stagnate. During these times God seems so distant and estranged.
Then there are other times where God’s presences never felt more real. Something happens that makes the wall of this present world and eternality seem inches apart, “and the things of earth grow strangely dim.” This is one of those times for me. I have never experience so much pain and peace, so much sorrow and joy, being extremely disheartened and yet abounding in hope. The pain of losing my mom so suddenly but the peace in knowing that she is with Jesus, the sorrow in missing my mom and her support but the joy in knowing that I will see her again, extremely disheartened because I wish I could have been a better son but hopeful knowing that she would want me to be okay and continue to serve the Lord and I will honor her in doing just that.
My mom was one of the most exceptional persons I’ve ever known. She had an amazing love for the Lord Jesus and it manifested in her flourishing joy, plentiful giving, and a deep concern for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior to hear the gospel. Now, she is safe in heaven forever, beyond the reach of sorrow, sin, and Satan. She is happy because she is now with the Lord that she so deeply loves.
It’s always difficult during these times to have a balance of honoring the person that has passed as well as honoring the Lord. In these next couple of stories that gives us a glimpse into my mother’s character it is not my intention to exalt a person over the Lord but to exalt my mother because of the Lord and the work that He has done in her life. No doubt that I could fill books of wonderful stories of my mom and her amazing life but because of time I will only give a couple.
First, it was when I was a small child and I had trouble sleeping. My mom held me in her arms and started to rub my head until I would fall asleep. But before I fell asleep she started tell me how much I meant to her and how she would do anything for me to let me know how much she loves me. Most parents would say this to their child but the reason why this time meant so much to me is because it was the first time I remember crying from being deeply touched instead of getting spanked.
Second is of course when she first came to Christ. She had thought her son went crazy when he became a Christian. He was always reading his bible and going to church and working for free. But after some time she realized that God is real for it was only through Him that her son could change so dramatically from being the hotheaded, defiant, teenaged-punk to the clam, obedient, young man of God.
Although her faith in Christ started with her son, it by no means ended there. She owned her own faith and started serving Christ by loving people and sharing the gospel at every opportunity. She gave recklessly and without reservation, expecting nothing in return. The source of her joy was seeing people come to know Christ as their personal Savior and serving Him well.
Even though I was a Christian longer than my mom there is still the weight of responsibility of continuing her legacy. But that weight and responsibility comes with it deeper meaning in life and a greater sense of purpose. I summarize the life of this women with the words of Jesus to the apostle Peter, “For whoever wishes to save his life will lost it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25). Mom lost her life in serving Christ and therefore she found it.
I love you mom. Thank you for exalting and enjoying Christ. Your generosity will never be forgotten. Your joy will always be marveled. Your excitement for life will always be a source of encouragement. It was an honor to have you as a mother and I find it an honor to continue your legacy in loving Christ and His people well. The blessing is ours. I will see you again and we both will enjoy the presences of our heavenly Father together.
Second is of course when she first came to Christ. She had thought her son went crazy when he became a Christian. He was always reading his bible and going to church and working for free. But after some time she realized that God is real for it was only through Him that her son could change so dramatically from being the hotheaded, defiant, teenaged-punk to the clam, obedient, young man of God.
Although her faith in Christ started with her son, it by no means ended there. She owned her own faith and started serving Christ by loving people and sharing the gospel at every opportunity. She gave recklessly and without reservation, expecting nothing in return. The source of her joy was seeing people come to know Christ as their personal Savior and serving Him well.
Even though I was a Christian longer than my mom there is still the weight of responsibility of continuing her legacy. But that weight and responsibility comes with it deeper meaning in life and a greater sense of purpose. I summarize the life of this women with the words of Jesus to the apostle Peter, “For whoever wishes to save his life will lost it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25). Mom lost her life in serving Christ and therefore she found it.
I love you mom. Thank you for exalting and enjoying Christ. Your generosity will never be forgotten. Your joy will always be marveled. Your excitement for life will always be a source of encouragement. It was an honor to have you as a mother and I find it an honor to continue your legacy in loving Christ and His people well. The blessing is ours. I will see you again and we both will enjoy the presences of our heavenly Father together.
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