“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all success in life to moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.”
-George Washington
“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”
-Abraham Lincoln
Most of my blogs act as updates of what is happening on the field; however, this blog is to honor one of the biggest influences of why I am on the mission field in the first place, my mother. I hope that in the spirit of Mother’s Day I can properly celebrate Gail Funderburk (a.k.a. SuperMom) as well as all mothers out there and also encourage the mothers of children who took them up on their challenge to “follow your dreams, child.”
First, I want to start by giving a big shout out to the real MVP, Mama Fundie. It doesn’t take anymore than about five minutes spent around Mom to see that she exudes the love of Christ in the realist sense that a person can this side of Heaven. But on the other hand, you may never come to this realization by the humble “ninja-likeness” in which she serves others. When you are around Mom things just happen. If you are not careful then all the things you need to accomplish will be completed, every volunteer position will be filled, your kids will be fed, and any relaxation you wanted to get done will be readily available. It’s natural for her.
I knew all my life that my mother loved me and did a whole lot for me to have a good life. Perhaps the moment I fully realized her compassion for her kids was one day in college when I was feeling a bit nostalgic. As a kid I LOVED Legos. Me and my brother, Jacob, had a large tub filled to the top that we had to drag through the house because it was too heavy for even both of us to carry together. In my college Wal-Mart adventure I decided I wanted to buy a Lego set to put together for old time’s sake. “Surely they can’t cost that much, we had thousands as children.” However, I was very surprised to see how much a single set cost, “Mom bought us these as much as she fed us!” It wasn’t about the money for her. It was about making her children happy. More than that, she wanted us to have the best life possible. Now before I go on, please don’t get the impression that she was just trying to buy us stuff to buy our love. We knew she loved us, both her and Dad told us every single day. Adding to that, she would listen to us talk for hours about our new Lego models and she would watch and listen as we narrated the adventures that our mini-figures would go on. The adventures didn’t matter to her. But we did. I am incredibly thankful that I had a mother who encouraged my imagination and sense of adventure.
While not condoning all of my brother and my antics, we were allowed to make our own mistakes (and hopefully learn from them). All of our suggestions such as “Mom, we’re going to build a zip-line over the bend in our creek,” or “ Mom, we’re going outside to sword-fight,” or “Mom, we’re gonna get a tarp and try to para-sail since the wind is blowing hard outside (this instance was in the midst of Hurricane Rita),” were always responded to by a simple “Ok, but I’m not taking you to the hospital.” While this warning lost its effect when we got our driver’s licenses (as long as we both didn’t get hurt then we’d be able to get the other to the hospital), she rarely ever told us no. By the sovereign Grace of God, we are both still alive today and much wiser than before (maybe). But what I appreciated most was that we had the freedom to try. We were never forced to play a sport, join a team, or go to an event, but we had the freedom to choose what we were involved in with one ultimatum, “Anything that you start you have to finish.” As we grew older, it remained the same and if there was something we wanted to do, then Mom would make sure to do everything in her power to make sure we were able to. As long as we tried our best and did not quit, Mom would spend time, money, and so much prayer so that her sons were able to live the life they wanted to live. Thank you.
One of the best things that my mom ever did for me, my brother, and my dad was spending her life covering us with prayer. Day after day my mom prayed for us. She committed so much of her time, and still does today, to praying for our safety, joy, and guidance in our lives. I believe through these prayers I have grown into the man I am today. Her prayers have kept me safe from danger, connected to God, and given me the strength to avoid temptations in my life.
I really could write a book on all the things my mother has done for me in my life, but to all sum it up, she loved me well. Through my mom’s love, support, and encouragement I had the inclination to show that very same love to others all around the world. Though it wasn’t easy raising me, letting me travel the world for a year, and sending me into dangerous places in the world, Mom knew it was God’s calling in my life and continues to pray for me everyday. For that I am eternally grateful for the strongest woman I know.
To other moms out there: Let your kids make mistakes, teach them through them, and show them grace when they make mistakes again. Your kids love and appreciate you, even when they don’t say or show it. You have the most influence on their lives than anyone in the world. Teach them Scripture, take them to church, let your relationship with God be an example for them. Never stop hugging your son in public, there will be a time when he will push away, but there will be a time in his life when he will embrace you with all the love in the world. Be an example for your son of what a good wife should look like by loving your husband. Be tough, let your kids know that you won’t take no crap. Be gentle, when the rest of the world is harsh you can be the best source of comfort (aside from Jesus). You will be the only woman in the world that your son will be comfortable crying in front from the beginning to the end. I thank all moms out there for the sleepless nights just in case we call, the millions of meals for you children and all their friends, and the “it’s ok baby” hugs that will always be available.
To Mom (Fundie’s Mom, Mama Fundie, Mrs. Funderburk, Mrs. Gail, SuperMom): I am sorry for all the times I have made you cry, stay up late, and worry about my well-being. I know that you wouldn’t have it any other way because you have done all you can since I was born to ensure that I am living a life that I love. You have done so much for our family and we wouldn’t be where we are without you. Thank you for the prayers, and DON’T STOP! Thank you for not only being a mom to me, but to everyone who has come to our house, to everyone who calls you “Aunt Gail,” to every student who has ever sat in your classroom, and to everyone who has come on youth trips with us. Your love is so great that even though many people have been mothered by you I have never felt like I had to share you. I will always be proud to be your baby boy. Thank you for giving me a perfect example of a strong woman who can raise a family through genuine love as I look for my future wife. Thank you for always being my biggest fan. I miss you and am sad that I am missing Mother’s Day, but I am glad to know you would rather me be here. Be ready for a big ol’ hug in a few months! I love you Mama!
“25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her”
-Proverbs 31: 25-28
Now a little ode to Mom by the Backstreet Boys themselves:
