A Mother's Courage

"and a sword will pierce even your own soul" - Simeon (Luke 2:35)

Dear Mom, Mother and Mommy,

Mama is also another way I’ve called for your help and love. A Mother’s love – your love, truly does come from the heart of God. Thank you for the pain you accepted in bringing me into life and then into adulthood. I’ve seen the pain and joy that my bride has gone through for each of our children. There is pain but there is also fear which brings its own suffering. A father may send his son into the world thinking that a few hard knocks may be good but a Mother’s desire is to nurture, protect and comfort. A Mother like you is wonderful because I know you are always hoping for the best, expecting right, praying my good and eager to embrace, comfort and forgive.

You are truly a home “maker”. I remember our home, growing up, as cheerful, warm and comfortable. It has been said that a Father is the “head” but the Mother is the “heart” of a family. A family is a person’s greatest challenge and fulfillment. You continue to embrace the pains and joys of children and the children’s children and even their children. You met and meet the challenges in the strength of Christ.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus, knew the pains of misunderstanding, being outcast, journeying while pregnant, and of childbirth. She also knew the joys of caring for Jesus as a nursing baby, energetic tottler, adventurous boy and questioning young man. But, then she knew the terrible pain of seeing her child suffer and die. You have shared in many of the same types of experiences, joys and pains. As Mary was at the cross with Jesus and shared His suffering, you and Dad also supported us and shared in our suffering in our loss of little Caleb. Genuine love, faith and courage are required to fully accept the responsibility, suffering and joys of being a father or a mother.

Thank you, Mom, for your courage, faith, prayers and love.

I love you.