The Mother

Today is Mother' Day. So, it seems fitting that I take a little time to brag on my mom and share her heart with you a little. I pray if you have children you will be encouraged in the Faith to lead your children with similar mind sets.
I was able to spend some time with my mom in Gulf Shores last week on the same little beach in the same little spot where I shared with her that I would be leaving her to go follow The Lord in India. Her response in September a year and a half ago was a shockingly accepting "I kind of expected that." She shard with me how she had given me to The Lord the day I was born, and so she could trust Him with me. There wasn't a single tear shed. Only words of encouragement for me to follow The Lord earnestly, and to do what He asked me to do. Sharing how she would support me wherever He called me. Never did she try to change the direction.
Now for those of you who have met my mother I am sure that you have no doubt of her very dear and deep deep love for her one and only daughter. If you have not met her, I and those who have can assure you of her love. It is very great. So, the giving trust is not an easy one. However, this love she has for me is not greater than her love for "My Everything"(as she refers to Christ). As a single mother of only one child, her sacrifice of me is monumental. The ache she feels in my absence is painful for her, but there is an opportunity for the glory of God to be revealed through her that far out weights the pain and sacrifice of it all.
She gets it.
When people ask her. How can you do it? How can you not only let your only child go, but also encourage her to go over seas into the battlefield? And how are you so supportive of it all? Her response to these questions is a simple. "She doesn't really belong to me, and she was never really mine to keep." I have seen and heard her say it, and I couldn't be more proud when she does. She goes on to explain how I was a gift to her from The Lord, and that He has let me be with her and allowed her to love me for 26 years.  How she will continue to love and be near me every chance she gets, but that it all isn't really up to her. She goes on to explain how God is a far greater parent than she could ever be. And then into how God sent His only son to earth to give her life. Therefore, she can fully entrust all of my life into His keeping.
I mean wow! The first time I heard her explain it all was when I went to meet her friends at work. I was blown away at the the testimony she was to the gospel. My mom has by far been the most supportive and encouraging individual out of all of my friends, family, and incredibly supportive spiritual brothers and sisters. Yet my mom has the most reason not to be. I understand this to be an incredible blessing because I am sure it would be normal for most parents to be far from supportive of their children abandoning them, their homes, and American lives for the sake of the Gospel. It must be hard for most friends family and parents to understand because often the comments are "why can't she do that in America, or there are a lot of people in America that need Jesus can't she just help them." Yes, you are correct our sweet dear friend who I know loves us dearly and just wants me near and safe. Yes, there are many and there are also many Americans capable of helping that could go share and help them if The Lord willed. But our question is what about the ones that have no one? The people The Lord talks about in the scriptures that have never heard of the Great Savior? What of the sheep that are not of the fold yet that Jesus speaks of in John 10:16? At some point in time all the peoples will hear of the Savior and the one true living God. Someone at some point in time will share with them the scriptures. May it be soon!! Maybe just maybe God will let it be me, or possibly even you, or us. Many of you have already joined in the battle for souls among the nations through your prayers and financial gifts, and what a blessing you are to my life and spirit, as well as my mom. Words cannot express the gratitude that we feel for you in our heart. My mom begins to weep when we speak of you with deep gratitude because she knows I go as representatives and extensions of your hearts for the gospel!
Mom never knew that the curly haired baby girl you see in this picture would grow up and moved to South East Asia, but she has fully welcomed it. So, God has given us a great gift a great privilege of carrying the Gospel to other nations and peoples, potentially tongues and tribes; My mom and I both will continue to gladly run after it with great joy seeking and savoring the Glory of God. We have been greatly blessed.

"Fear is a waste of time."-My Mom courageously trusting The LORD


Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."

Wherever we are... Near or Far....
May our feet always bring the good news!