As I sat in my ABF class one Sunday morning listening to my teacher speak about David, emotions, doing the right thing, laying prostrate on the ground, I couldn’t help but think of a modern day story about a very special lady…one who, as a young lady, thought her life would live out as the fairy tale stories she watched on the big screen in her day.
Because of people in her life who made bad choices, took wrong turns, and some living in their own sin, one making a very right choice to go across the seas with a missionary group, another taken away because of circumstances, everyone in her family ended up gone for one reason or another.She spiraled downward into a deep well of depression that lasted for years.Doctors put her on anti-depressants which she remained on for years.Her loved ones were gone for years.This lady ended up in a mental institution several times with doctors never “curing” her.She always returned home bad off as ever before. Not quite the fairy tale she expected.
People perceived her as weak because she was down and couldn’t seem to get up.This lady had been a Christian for years, but she allowed her emotions to get the best of her.The devil thought he could get her to give up by falling completely into this well of emotions.
But one evening, as this lady realized everything was gone in her life, she fell prostrate to her bedroom floor where she surrendered; fully surrendered her whole entire being, her entire family, everything! She even surrendered her emotions to do only what the Lord would have her to do.There was no earthquake, no great lightning, no emotional response.She got up and lived obediently to her Heavenly Father and slowly but surely, she became healed of the emotional illness the enemy tried to drown her in.She became strong, she got off her anti-depressants she had been on for years, never to go back on them again. Slowly, her family came back, a son after 14 years, a daughter after 9 years.
This lady is not weak.It took a great strength for her to not give up.It took a great inner strength in the midst of her turmoil and pain and aloneness, to go prostrate on that floor and say, “Jesus, I’m 100% yours and everything I have I completely surrender.She didn’t know what God’s plans were for her.She didn’t know what answers would come if any.But she trusted her God with all of her being.
This lady has become a dearly loved woman over the last 30 some years to so many people, helping, giving, and loving them with a Christ-like love, many calling her mom.
As of today she still thinks she is weak, but she knows what strength is in her is from the Lord.She gives him all the glory.She IS strong.She has shown the strength of a warrior.The enemy, strong in his tactics could not defeat her.She fought, she fell prostrate, she arose with a strength from the Lord she didn’t even recognize herself and together they claimed victory over this life and her family.
To this day, this lady thinks she has no legacy to leave.Oh, but she is so wrong!She will leave a legacy of great strength, faith, and love that only comes from the Father.
Because of her faith decision that night on the bedroom floor, my children grew up with a healed, whole, loving, and fun grandmother.You see, this special lady is my mother.
As she would and always says, To God be the glory!
A happy ending after all!
Thank you Mom for the legacy of prostrate praying, strength in the Lord, obedience, faith, and
your unconditional love.
I love you with all my heart!
Happy Mother's Day!
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8 comments:
I love that you wrote out this beautiful story of servitude and surrender for her, yourself, and all of us. May God continue to bless and keep. Happy Mother's Day, Kris! xo
You know, one of the very first songs many of us learn to sing in Sunday School teaches, "We are weak, but He is strong." Or, for grace to believe these simple words!
Lovely, lovely tribute.
What a wonderful story:) bless her heart and you too:)
Like mother, like daughter. Blessings to you both.
Great story and tribute to your mother. I know my mom prayed for me for years, when I was overseas with the military, on my recent trip to Nicaragua. She still has her faith in the Lord and has always been to church and us with her along with dad. ....oh so many years ago. A legacy for sure and hopefully my children will see that as well from me. Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful story, both of your mother's journey and your heart towards her and the Lord. Thanks stopping and encouraging me in my own Mother's Day reflections!
I read this and had to click away the other day- so am back to tell you how truly special your momma sounds. What a beautifully told story of triumph! And courage! And believing that you can, when for so long everything seemed to proclaim that you couldn't. Happy Mother's Day Kristin!
Stong in Him! I love this hopeful storie. Thank you.
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