Sunday, May 8, 2011

My Mom

Let me tell you a little about my mom. She was a "surprise" child born MANY years after her sisters. So for most of her years at home so was an only child. She was raised by parents who loved her dearly but her dad was an alcoholic who often chose the bottle over family. She has memories of her mom having to go and "get him" many times.

My mom placed her faith in Jesus as a young child and has never stopped growing in that faith. She received Christ's gift of salvation and she will be the first to tell you that she could not have done her life without him.

When my mom was 35 years old with 3 young children, her husband (my dad) died. He had battled leukemia for three years and God took him home on New Year's Day in 1974. So here she was alone...but NOT. She has amazing stories of God's faithfulness to our family during those times.

Within the next 4 years she would lose both her parents. So she really was alone and had to depend on her Lord like not many of us have to do.

God brought her an amazing man and they later married. (Mind you....I didn't think he was so amazing at the time. ha) They have been the best parents I could have ever asked for.

I know that once you are a mother you are always a mother. But during the past 4 years she has really had to take back on the role of "mothering" me. During my illness. Divorce. Loss. Financial hardships. Heartache. She has "mothered" me again. There are not words to describe how grateful I am.

One of her favorite verses is Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand".

My mom has walked out her faith every single day. She BELIEVES what she believes and it is evident to anyone who is blessed to know you.

Mom....I rise up and call you blessed. I love you!


12 comments:

laurette said...

Sheryl,
With tears in my eyes telling you what a beautiful tribute/post this is to your Mom. What an amazing journey that Christ has been with her and you, all along. What a blessing you are to your own children and to those around you. So glad to call you friend. You are loved.
Happy Mother's Day!
Laurette

UL Cards Fan said...

Beautiful tribute Sheryl. Sounds like God blessed both of us with incredible mothers. Happy Mother's Day...Love, Linda

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

What a sweet tribute to your Mom

Happy Mothers Day to you

nancygrayce said...

Incredible tribute! Your mom sounds like such a godly, trusting woman and how precious that she could be there for you when you needed her most!

Amrita said...

Your Mom is a very special lady and you are like her.

Happy Mother 's day to both of you

Debbie said...

Lovely tribute to your mom, who is one of the nicest ladies I have ever had the joy to meet.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful heritage you have. Thank you for sharing your MOm with us....

Kathleen said...

You're right: the similarities between our mothers is notable. In fact, my own father died of Leukemia when I was only 16, and my mother 58. Rugged stuff!

I'm thinking she is pretty darn proud of her devoted daughter, too.

Hugs,
Kathleen

Courtney and the Boys said...

Wow, Sheryl. Wow. What an amazing person to call your mother. I feel like I've been through lots of hardships in my life so far, but nothing compared to your mom. What a testament to God's love she is. Thanks for sharing. ;)

Love,
Courtney

One~Love~One~God said...

Hey sheryl, You said I could message you if i needed to vent or anything...and tonight i would just like to ask for some prayer and maybe some wisdom. Tonight i just found out my mom has been cheating on my dad since Jan. I have a little brother and sister who are only 9 and 12. My lil brother will be thirteen this weekend:( My dad is a mess, angry and hurt. My mom has a list of reasons why she has been unhappy with my dad. She is saying she didnt "look" for "this." "This" meaning the man shes been sleeping with. That my dad has abused her emotionally over the years by neglecting her needs. My dad is a faithful man, hard working, an amazing father...but could use some counsel on how to love my mom the way she needs. My mom is also an amazing mother, however, has lost jesus as her foundation and stopped abiding in Him when making life choices...apparently. Im 25 years old and married myself, and love the lord as you know...im torn mostly for my little brother and sister. I know to pray for my mom and dad...ive given her countless biblical counsel...what else is there to do. I dont think it has to be over..but being this is all so fresh, mending the relationship is the last thing my dad wants. Help. Prayers from everyone who reads this is my desperate desire. Thank you.

Unknown said...

Great tribute to your Mom, Sheryl. Mothers are truly a special gift from our wonderful God.

The Other Sheryl

Gathering Hope said...

AMEN!