My Mother’s daughter

I’m beginning to fully understand that I don’t have an identity crisis.  I’m my mother’s daughter.  She taught me confidence and compassion, creativity and courage.  If mama said I could do it, I could.

I learned to how to learn from my mom.  She taught me how to cook, sew, clean, and balance a checkbook.  If I wear earrings and necklaces, and put on makeup, it’s because I saw mama look nice wherever she went.

If a family game was starting, count her in. She loved to laugh and have fun.  She was a quick study but win or lose, a good sport.

If you wanted someone to listen to you or cheer you on, you’d look to my mom.  I never doubted her affection or support.  She was created especially for encouraging anyone who needed it.

Momma knew a wonderful childhood, but was met with sorrow early in her life.  I believe she gave what she received from family.  Love carried her into life to be a giver of love.  Her wisdom was shared like a shawl croqueted with arthritic fingers.  For years, she wrote hundreds of heart-shaped notes to friends and family.  Her ministry continued well into her years of failing health and much pain.

Mom found Jesus before she was 20 and lived to learn more about His love for His creation.  As she became a more mature mother, her greatest pursuit was to raise us up in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. My eternal identity is in Christ, just like my mom.

I am who I am in large part because of her incredible influence on my personality.  Her strength was deep but not flouted.  Her expectations were high for her children.  Her mercy was greater in our mistakes.

I’m glad to take time to share my mom with you.  Today, was my mom and dad’s wedding anniversary.  Today, she’s on my mind in a big way.  I am her namesake and I’m her double.  My only question is, “Did she know?”

I was always so busy when she was still alive so, my question persists, “Did she know how much I loved her?”  If your mom is still alive, make sure she knows how much she means to you.

MT Penny