“Because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5
This summer has been a season of celebrating my spiritual mothers, one of them being my real mother. Two of these precious women have lived these last years with the devastation of Alzheimer’s. One just stepped into heaven a month ago. The other moved to a higher-level care home. By grace, both of these beautiful women have lived in kindness and gentle, loving responses, often without words, in the reality of their bodies. What an amazing gift. Sweet Mom is dealing with what happens to all of us when our brains and bodies age. Repetition, forgetfulness, physical pain, all mixed with delight and thanksgiving is her mode these days.
These women are ones whose words, apprenticeship to Jesus, brought vision to my life when I didn’t see it. They listened, poked curiosity, showed me how to not take myself so seriously. They played hard, showed me what hospitality looks like, loved books, especially God’s Story.
Each one has been a good neighbor and also traveled the world. They have walked with God’s people and prayed for those who don’t yet know Him. They have loved their children and those they didn’t give birth to. They wrestled with life’s challenges, pain, and what isn’t fair. But held fast to God’s character. They have lived authentically even in the seasons when their minds haven’t been sure.
The son of one of these spiritual mothers surprised me this summer with a journal of his mom’s. With only 2 simple entries. Beautiful for so many reasons. Her touch once again in my hand.
I have reflected on my own ‘mothering.’ What will my touch be today for someone I love? Or that unnamed person in my path today? What intentional word or act will be in practice today. Will my ‘mothering’ (in the best sense of the word) leave a faith fingerprint, a pause to wonder, an overwhelming sense of “you are loved?”
Jesus did that so well. And has the imprint on his hands. Jesus still does that today. And Jesus asks us to carry it on not simply with words but with the power of the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.