Each time I get my assignment for reflections, I check the dates to see what connections I have with the specific dates.  I was thrilled when my one for February was on the 18th.  My mother’s birthday – she would be 110 this year but the Lord called her Home nearly 30 years ago. I’ve mentioned her before in my reflections as a woman of extraordinary faith.  I certainly would not describe her as a religious woman rather one filled with faith and a consistent, strong relationship with her God.  When she lost her son who was only 20 and proudly serving his country, she often said that God wanted my brother with Him, she seemed to bear no ill will toward God rather embraced Him closer.  There was no doubt in her mind that my brother was in Heaven with Jesus.  Her faith was exhibited in her daily prayers for the dead from a little booklet that was sent to her when my brother died.  She said those prayers daily from 1961 to 1993, a remarkable 32 years.  She wore out more than one booklet and had to send for more.  When she died, her booklet (this one covered with transparent tape to increase longevity) was right next to her on her side table.  When I reviewed the readings for today, I was so pleased at the emphasis of faith in the first reading.  It is mentioned by name seven times!!  How fitting to celebrate this faith-filled woman’s birthday!  Another God wink . . .

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for
and evidence of things not seen.

I’ve heard and seen this explanation of faith many times even written on wall hangings.  I’m embarrassed to say that I never realized that it was actually from scripture.  I always thought it was the product of some clever writer making up quips to be on wall plaques, Hallmark cards, and the like.  It’s not easy to have that unfailing faith such as my mom did.  Without seeing or having evidence yet believing, believing that our God is an awesome God who loves us and with whom we have a most precious relationship.  A relationship that recognizes us as beloved sinners – feet of clay and still loved.

It’s so easy to be grateful children when everything goes our way.  So different when we face challenges and have the need to “dig into” that reserve of faith to keep us going.  I was recently at a wake service for a relative that was also a woman of deep faith.  I had not realized how deep her faith was until I heard her grown sons (men in their 40s & 50s) eulogize their mother.  One by one each provided stories of the incredible faith that his mom had imparted to him.  When each son quoted scripture to honor his mom, I knew it was the real deal.  She had instilled in each of them a resiliency built on a foundation of faith steeped in scripture. They had all faced difficult times and extraordinary challenges including months of deployment, the recent death of a spouse, and a mom dealing with the aftermath of a major stroke for more than five years. Yet these awesome men were exemplary men of faith – each reflected on some parts of first Corinthians 13 and each one concluded the honoring of his mom with . . .and now these three remain, faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love.  I was left in awe – this, my friends, is what faith is all about and what a life well lived looks like!! Her sons had no doubt that this kind, compassionate, faithful woman was now in Heaven.  That she was greeted with, Well done, my good and faithful servant. It would be my greatest wish that my children would be able to speak of their life with me in such terms.  That they would see me as a guiding light for them leading the way not to earthly success but rather to redemption and true glory, recognizing the stumbles and failures and reaching for the ultimate greeting of Well done!!

Well Done by The Afters