I don’t know how to write this blog without it sounding cheesy. And although sounding cheesy is probably one of my most deeply rooted fears, I’m going for it anyway. Today, I want to talk about my mother, Lynne Hazard Florin.
I don’t think I tell the world enough how thankful I am that she is my mom. She raised me to believe I could do or be anything I have ever wanted. She tells me (and has my entire life) that she loves me at any opportunity she can get. She delights in giving me things. She will turn down just about anyone, with the exception of my dad and brother (sometimes…), to simply be with me. She’s taught me that it’s ok to be passionate and emotional. She has demonstrated to me the importance of not taking yourself too seriously. She recently flew to freaking Cambodia to spend a short week with me. And the greatest of all of these things, is that she introduced me to Jesus. She gave up her life so that I could know what it looks like to live life to the full.
My mom has shown me parts of the Father’s heart that I don’t think anyone else could. She has shown me what it looks like to love unconditionally. She’s shown me what it looks like to not give up on people. She’s shown me how to fight for justice. She’s shown me what it looks like to sacrifice for people. She’s perhaps the most hopeful person I know. She’s shown me friendship. These characteristics of the Father have been so influential in cultivating who I am today.
I could go on and on. To know my mom is to love her.
So, Mom, thank you. Thank you for being exactly who you were created to be. Happy Mother’s Day! I hope it’s full of sushi and flowers and family hangs. See you soon!
