2017 was a wonderful year in so many ways.
But if I'm being honest, it was also a hard year. In 2017, my mom lost both of her parents. Of course, this would be a difficult situation for anybody...losing both parents in one year. But it was especially difficult for us. A strained family relationship can make loss seem so much greater. Mom wasn't only grieving for the loss of her parents, but for the absence of a normal functioning family. Grieving the loss of the chance at reconciliation and healing. Someday I will tell her story in it's entirety. But not today. Today, I want to recognize some of the difference-makers in her life. Mom can remember going to Vacation Bible School at a very young age with her Aunt Peggy's mother, Mrs. McIntire. Mrs. McIntire always made Mom feel like she was thrilled to have her there. Mom still thinks of her when she smells koolaid...all these years later. Mrs. McIntire was difference-maker. When Mom was about five, she remembers starting to go with her grandma to her adult Sunday school group. They met at each others' houses. Mom has fond memories of spending time with her grandma's friends...serving punch and cake and just visiting with them. These women were difference-makers. Mom went to church every week as a child with her Grandma Hannah (great name, huh?). When she was in second grade, she remembers wanting a Bible with her name on it for Christmas. She got this gift and remembers reading it every night, loving every minute. Grandma Hannah was a difference-maker. When Mom's family moved to Adrian her seventh grade year, the Johnson family took her to church every Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday night. It was during this time that she went on a "Youth for Christ" hayride and committed her life to Christ. Hal & Fern Johnson were difference-makers. Throughout Mom's middle school and high school years, her friends' mothers became wonderful mentors to her. These women helped her get through school. They taught her about honesty and hard work. They taught her character traits and Christian principles that continue to serve her well, over thirty years later. Fern Johnson, Darlene Greenwell, Lila Gunn, Jeanie Brewster, Thelma Six, and countless others were difference-makers. Mom got married in 1980 to my dear ol' dad. Dad has supported Mom through many insecurities that came from a difficult past. Together, they have raised two amazing children, if I do say so myself...ha...just kidding. Because of the difference-makers in Mom's life, she has an amazing story of grace and generosity and love for others. She and Dad have adopted another daughter and provided for countless other foster children throughout our lives. She has a heart for children who have been mistreated. She has served in the Church for in every way imaginable...for all age groups and many ministries. She sees a need and meets it. My mom is a difference-maker. Despite a painful childhood, filled with neglect and abuse...she is a difference-maker. Despite anxiety and insecurity that comes from her past...she is a difference-maker. Despite the odds being seemingly stacked against her...she is a difference-maker. THAT is the power in kindness and compassion. THAT is the power in really seeing people. THAT is the power in serving others. THAT is the power found in the grace of Jesus Christ. We CAN make a difference, friends. ❤️🏡❤️
1 Comment
Jeanie
2/1/2018 10:46:56 pm
It was at a Women of Faith Conference that I learned what was going to fulfill my life on Earth and that was serving others. When I started looking at every opportunity to serve others I became a much happier person. Lately I have been discouraged at times because I know that because we are Christians that we need to take the high road. I was aggravated watching my staff, my children, my husband, myself and many others taking the high road and then it feeling like life wasn't fair. Actually, life wasn't fair. When I got my head back on I remembered that we have never been promised that this life would be fair or easy. There is nothing harder than doing what the holy spirit tells you to do about hard situations and then many people who do not know the situations judging you. I judge things unintentionally even if I do not speak what I am judging I am in my mind. I am working on this but, I am the happiest when I am serving Jesus and not worried about what is happening with the people I am serving. If we listen God will give us direction in who, what, when, where and how we are suppose to serve. Once again, I am thankful for the hard times and how I grew up because it helps me to want to help others and I have an understanding of many things of the World and what things can do to your life and this has helped me to help others through Christ! Sorry so long. God just put it on my heart to give him the glory for delivering me from the things that happened to me the first 18 years of my life. He gave me a loving Christian husband who had the heart to stay with me even if I was insecure. He gave me children that have been amazing for sure! The most amazing thing he gave me was grandchildren! lol I have been blessed with so many friends in all walks of life that have helped me come through so many hard situations. I believe in paying it forward! Go out and served someone and see what it does for your walk with Christ. Love you Hannah!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
January 2024
Categories
All
|