My Mother's Legacy

My mother passed away twelve days ago at the age of 90. Like some of you, I always said that I didn’t want to be like my mother. I lived with her weaknesses, and strengths aren’t always evident to those who live up close. But time brings perspective, and I now identify much to learn from her life.

Growing in Prayer this Year

When I led women’s ministries in churches, the position of prayer coordinator was often difficult to fill. Most of us (and I include myself here) have a mental image of the ideal pray-er, and we are aware of our own inadequacies. The women I approached often expressed their surprise at being asked to shoulder such a responsibility and their belief that almost anyone else would be better equipped for the role.

What is it about prayer that makes us feel so inadequate? What steps can we take to move forward?

Dare the Roller Coaster!

When my son was small, he was not adventurous in any way. Instead, he liked what was safe and known, avoiding anything new or risky. Although we enjoyed an annual excursion to Six Flags when my sister’s family came to visit, my son stubbornly refused to join us on the roller coaster, not even setting foot in the tunnel to the ride. It just looked too scary!

As we enter a new year, we may be too afraid to risk the downs ahead to even aim to go up. Thus, we don’t attempt anything new or different, settling for what is safe rather than following God into the unknown.

I think of Abraham, whose courageous faith following God to a foreign land resulted in a nation and a descendant to bring love and redemption to all mankind. It all happened because he took the risk of faith. If we want to impact our world for God’s kingdom, we must overcome our fears. What a ride we will enjoy if we dare to obey God and risk the ups and downs that are ahead!

This last year was scary as I left a known ministry position and set out for opportunities that only God can see. Although I am still in limbo in many ways,