During this unusual time, one of the obvious fall outs is not being able to spend time with the ones we love. Whether we are crazy busy or find ourselves with some extra free time, the loss of up close and personal interactions with loved ones has been a hard transition for many of us. Our family lives a few hours away, and the pandemic has introduced my parents to new technology including, Zoom. It’s been neat to talk using video instead of just hearing them on the phone. At the end of our calls, my Mom usually tears up and tries to hold them back. (It’s much harder to hide on video.) Truthfully, we have always made fun of her for her emotional side, but now with almost grown kids and grandkids of my own, I better understand the bitter sweet reaction; the joy of loving and the pain of being separated. During this time of crisis and particularly as we come up to Mother’s Day we have pause to think about the things and the people that are most important to us.

When I was a child, when the sky was still dark, my mom would wake me from my bed. I’d shuffle into the living room and curl up next to her on the couch. I’d lay my head on her shoulder as she read from 1Our Daily Bread. (A daily reading that included a Scripture, an encouragement and prayer.) Sometimes we took turns reading. I don’t remember the words that were spoken, but I vividly remember the feeling of comfort and security and the time she gave even into my teens. There was no doubt in my mind that my Mom was daily relying on the Holy Spirit to sustain her every day. No worry was bigger than He could handle.

I saw her pray for a new hair dryer (don’t underestimate the need for a hair dryer in the 80’s with two teenagers). I saw her on her knees weeping to God about hurts and disagreements. I saw her skillfully make pies to encourage someone. I saw her go to small group to learn the Bible.

What I saw evidenced in my mom was a woman who learned to trust God for every need. In those quiet moments, I saw glimpses of her learning to forgive and persist in loving even when it was hard. I witnessed and experienced her encouragement, her generosity and her love unconditionally. I saw her seeking after God.

The Bible states so simply the legacy of faith passed on to Timothy by his Grandma and his Mom. “ I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)

I don’t know how Timothy would have described the faith he saw in his Mom and Grandma. It probably looked a little differently than what I saw in my Mom, and only time will tell how my children and grandchildren will (hopefully) describe the sincere faith they see in me. Hopefully, they will see it in the quiet, everyday moments that are lived out with them.

Moms, Grandma’s, Mothers-in-Law, Aunties, Sisters, Women of God… you are passing on a legacy of faith whether you realize it or not. You are not too old or too young. It’s never too early or too late. Spend time, encourage, forgive and love… in Jesus’ name.2

Not sure where to begin or not sure if it will make any difference?

Who are the godly women in your life? What do you admire most about them? How did God use them in your life? This Mother’s Day, tell them.

Can you be that person for someone? What does that look like in this season?3

Happy Mother’s Day.

“Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion.

That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.” 2 Timothy 1:3-7 (MSG)

1 If you are interested in reading Our Daily Bread, go to https://odb.org/for a digital version or if you are interested in receiving a paper copy, let us know at admin@amberleachurch.ca

2 https://mike-gordon.ca/hey-church/

3 Let us know how we can pray for you (prayer@amberleachurch.ca) and support you in sharing your legacy of faith this season. For KidZone resources check out: www.amberleachurch.ca.

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Nancy Varga is the Family Ministry Director at Amberlea Presbyterian Church. You can contact her at familyministries@amberleachurch.ca