On the front row. That’s
where she said she’d be. Her maternal heart wouldn’t be anywhere else. She
protected me in her womb, nourished me in infancy, poured her soul into me in
childhood, discipled me in adolescence, cheered me on in pastoral training, befriended
me in adulthood, and interceded for me in every season.
I’ll never forget her
words on my 23rd birthday. “Honey, I’m going to be on the front row, cheering you on.” She repeated this refrain every so often. It always made
me smile as her son. It would only be fitting for the woman who had poured her
life into mine more than any other human being to be firmly planted on the
front row when I some day preached regularly from the very Book she poured over
every morning and faithfully imparted to our family every day. We’d meet eyes,
and – without a word spoken – marvel at the journey we’d traveled together as
mother and son to see God’s gracious plan become a reality in my life. How
sweet it would be from the pulpit. How sweet from her place. On the front row.
Eight years ago today,
that great enemy death took her life at age 55. It still hurts, but not just
for me and a dream unfulfilled. Not only did my dad, sisters, her
grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends lose a gem on February
27, 2005. The Church of the Lord Jesus lost a Titus 2 (verses 3-4) woman. The last five
years there’s been an empty seat each Sunday at New Covenant Community Church. On
the front row.
Yet our loss is her
gain. She’s seen the color of His eyes. Felt His touch upon her soul. Heard Him
say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Wiped away her tears. Introduced
her to patriarchs, apostles, prophets, martyrs, and legends of the faith.
Reunited her with family and friends who trusted in His blood and righteousness
alone. Revealed His exciting plan for her for unending eons to come. And
transferred triune glory from His face to hers (2 Cor. 4.6; I John 3.2). Yes, the preached Word
she presently listens to – on an unending Lord’s Day of unspeakable bliss – is
not through a fallible son like me. She
hears it from the vibrating vocal chords of the Incarnate Son. This gives me profound
peace, joy, and comfort. For she occupies a much
better seat today. On the front row.
That was beautiful, Ryan. I sincerely wish I had the opportunity to physically meet this amazing woman that you have so vividly made real in my mind to where I have at least a glimpse of the mother, wife, friend she was. Thank you for sharing, and God Bless you as you remember her today (and every day). - in Him, Lora
ReplyDeleteI love this...Amazing.
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord for His faithfulness in your life's calling. And praise Him for giving us 30/31 years with your mom. She was the best.
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteEvery mother would love a blessing like that! I remember her well and heartily agree with you. I was always amazed by her peace in only having one car when everyone else had 2 or 3. She was content in the state she was in. A wonderful woman of God and a great influence on your whole family. I thank Him for the memories I have of her and of you and your whole family. Thank you for keeping in touch!