One unique aspect of traveling to 11 different countries and 11 different cultures is witnessing the love of a mom! All have an unconditional love for their children and the sacrifices they make is remarkable.
I am going to praise God for the mom He blessed me with, Janet Cash, and share one of the many aspects that I love and admire about her. Throughout my life she has been a constant FIGHTER, and I love IT!
Growing up she fought for the family in crazy ways, always desiring to make an impact. When we (my brother, sister, and I) got into sports growing up she went ALL IN too. Not only making sure we all got to practice on time and made it all of our games on time but also took it upon herself to become the head concession stand person too…..which by the way was beyond awesome since growing up in Florida there was plenty of sweltering days on field and prepaid for slushies was never a bad thing.
While we were in elementary school my mom dove ALL IN again by stepping up and helped fill the need for more substitute teachers, lead field trips, and active on the PTA board….still not entirely sure what the PTA did but it was good to know my mom was apart.
Then one of my favorite mom moments happened when I choose to play Pop Warner football as a kid. I have a medical condition with my eyes that prevent my pupil from closing when exposed to bright light so I always have to wear prescription sunglasses and typically a hat when outside to prevent migraines. Anyways…..the Pop Warner league said I could play despite needing to wear sunglasses while I played but for some reason the league referees never got the memo. So every Saturday I was warming up to play football and my mom was wearing out the referees to ensure that I got to play. Needless to say, it was awesome having my mom present!
High school came around and my sport of choice changed once again…this time for cycling! My parents have always enjoyed riding and they definitely are the ones that got me on the bike and into racing! Sure enough my mom was ALL IN again going to all of my bike races and even put me back together when the outcome of the race was me sliding across the pavement. She changed countless road rash bandages. Yes, during this time too I almost ate myself homeless as I devoured countless calories that my mom prepared.
And now here I sit on the other side of the big pond, Atlantic ocean, fully knowing that my mom is still fighting for me! Constantly praying for me daily, sending me encouraging emails, and eagerly waiting for my next blog or video call home!
Her fight lives on, as she has successfully passed it on to me. When my days seem long, I remember my mom and her perseverance to continue to fight for what she believes in: God and family. I love being able to reflect back on the impact she has made over my life and then be able to share it with people.
Thanks MOM for all that you have done in my life! I LOVE you!
I could go on and on about all the facets of why I love my mom, but I want to challenge you to prayerfully reflect on your mom. I am not sure what the current relationship is between you and your mom but bring it before Jesus, and ask Him to reveal to you how He sees her! Then tell her!
Here are some pictures of my lovely mom!
This was taken some years ago in North Carolina. From left to right: Katie (sister), me, Janet (mom)!
Hmm not sure what year this was taken either but it is Jumping Off Rock in South Carolina with Lake Jocassee in the background. From left to right: Janet (mom), Monty (dad), Katie (sister), and me!
This is Mother’s Day week 2014 and my mom got to see the Grand Canyon!
