As most of you know I posted a blog that my mother wrote called “Through My Mother’s Eyes” it was honest, beautiful, and very vulnerable of her. This is my response back to her. I hope you enjoy!
(If you haven’t read it here is the link) Through My Mother’s Eyes
Mom, reading your blog about the World Race through your eyes brought me to tears. I hate that the enemy made panic and guilt come over you the day that I left. I want to speak truth into those thoughts and share with you my feelings. You are a big part of the reason I am traveling the world sharing the gospel. Because of you, I am independent, I have the confidence to step out in boldness, and I trust in the Lord. Here are some things that you have unknowingly taught Garrett, Eythan, and I.
Your relationship with Dad has taught us what true love and faithfulness is. You made a promise to him 30 years ago, and you have honored those vows since that day. I know that your marriage isn’t perfect by any means but you have always treated your marriage as a gift from God and have continually fought for it.
You gave us structure and stability, emotionally and physically. You set boundaries, rules, and consequences. You used the words no, don’t, and stop.
You have always treated us with respect and expected the same from us. You showed us the importance of respecting others with our words and actions.
You taught us to never “judge a book by the cover” and that there is more to people than their appearance and what they have to offer. A person’s heart is what truly matters and a man is only as good as his word.
You taught us to always treat people the way you want to be treated, no matter how they treat you.
You showed us what patience and kindness looks like in difficult times. Your ability to remain a rock in the midst of some pretty rough storms is nothing short of amazing.
You not only taught us good work ethic but you were an example of that day in and day out. You showed us what integrity, responsibility, and discipline looked like.
You taught us that you’ve got to work for what you want, and not to rely on people to fulfill your desires and needs.
You let us make our own mistakes and encouraged us during our struggles and continually picked us up when we would fall short.
You taught us to lend a helping hand to someone in need, because one day you’ll need a helping hand as well.
You taught us the importance of manners. To always be polite and courteous to others.
You taught us how valuable education is and always pushed us to learn more. At times you learned along side us and showed us that it’s okay to not understand or know everything.
You demonstrated self confidence in every day life and taught us the importance of a firm handshake and looking a person in the eye.
You’ve shown us what true grace looks like and taught us that mistakes don’t define a person.
You taught us to listen more than you speak when getting to know someone.
You taught us that there is more honor in being selfless than selfish.
You raised us in a home full of laughter, joy, and love.
God blessed you with each of us and guided your words and actions while raising us. Because of all of these things that you have taught us over the years I am standing here today. You raised three well rounded children. I know that you think we didn’t read enough of the word growing up but what we did have was you. You did more than just read us scripture, you lived it. You are the perfect example of a Christian woman, wife, and mother. We may not have learned everything from the Bible when we were younger but we had you to watch and learn from and for that I thank God everyday.
