Be still, and know that I am God! … Psalm 46:10a

And Mom was a great prayer warrior. As you read through her journals, you learn just how deep those roots of faith went. She prayed for each one of you — me, too, many times — individually and collectively through every calamity from bumps and bruises to addictions, pregnancies and divorces. There was scarce an entry that didn’t include thanks for something as insignificant as a sunset or a summer breeze to safe passage through one of life’s storms.

“I need you Lord, now more than ever in my life.”

“No matter what happens I know God can make something good come from all of it.”

“I know that with You all things are possible.”

“I have no clue how we’ll meet all these responsibilities, but I also know God does.”

“Today, Lord, I’m thankful for Your gentle reminders You love me and will never leave me.”

I used to always tell Mom, “Don’t worry. God is in control.” So, what did she always tell me during those last five months?

“Hon, don’t worry. God is in control.”

Don’t you just hate it when your words come back to haunt you!

In her letter to me, Mom wrote:
Honey, I think our kids did OK. They, too, have their problems and will have rough and rocky roads ahead. We all do. But with God’s help, if they just draw close to Him, I know they’ll be okay.
    That leads me to a favor of sorts. I know you have prayed for me and the kids throughout the years. We both know Dee and Scott have come to accept the Lord as their Savior, but Joe (our doubting Thomas), Nicolle (our “stubborn” one) and Jonathan (still trying to figure him out!) haven’t reached that point. Please carry on my prayer they would come to know and accept the Lord. I really want my entire family to be able to hug again; and you know, that means all of those grandkids, too! Gotta pray for each and every one of them. I have always prayed for the ones we have now and the one yet to come and our great-grandchildren whom I’ll never meet. I know you will do this for me, so thanks sweetie.

So, guys, know I am carrying out Mom’s wishes. I would be honored to walk any or all of you through the discovery process. I may not have all the answers but I know where they are found. And if you’re not comfortable with me, I know Dee or Scott would be more than willing to walk you through. And if you’re not comfortable with them, find a good Christian friend to walk with you.

I, too, want to share in a great big group hug one day … with no one missing.

To be continued …

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.