In honor of Mother’s Day, my good friend Lisa Grimes shares a tribute to her mother, Amy Edwards, who is one special lady. Lisa’s mom bakes my favorite dessert, flourless chocolate torte, for me every year for my birthday. She inspires many of us. You’ll see why in Lisa’s words below.
Lisa’s Tribute to Her Mom
For decades, my mom has set a great example of the importance of having a quiet time of prayer and Scripture reading, and seeking to live for Christ. Her daily time with God grew more important these past two years as she faced multiple challenges — tragedies really.
- A broken hip.
- Hip surgery.
- Loss of her beloved husband.
- An extended bout with Covid.
- Another hip surgery.
- More time in confinement.
- A fender bender which fortunately took a greater emotional toll than physical — although her car might not agree!
- Almost total loss of vision in her left eye. Did I mention her favorite pastime is reading?
As each new obstacle rolls over her, she has a choice to make. Will she let this next difficulty wipe her out?
Mom has remained steadfast in her time with God. She has learned to lean harder on Him. Sure, she’s gotten down at times, but she chooses to focus on the fact that God always provides — either a way out or comfort during.
#Mom has set a great example of the importance of having a quiet time of prayer and Scripture reading, and seeking to live for Christ. Her daily time with God grew more important as she faced multiple challenges. #MothersDay Click To TweetPulling Up My Big Girl Panties
Recently she said she has to remember to pull up her big girl panties.
Adjusting to seeing from only one eye and unable to have visitors due to a Covid exposure a few days ago, she acknowledged her choices: sit in her recliner and feel sorry for herself or get those panties on. Praise God, she chose once again to get them on.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Ps. 121:1-2 NIV).
Mom knows her strength comes from God alone. So she chooses to remain focused on Him and His many blessings. When life hands us the proverbial lemons, one sure way to make lemonade is by taking the time (and effort) to reflect on God’s goodness and many blessings. This requires intentional effort as it doesn’t come naturally.
While this might not change our immediate circumstances, it changes our attitude. And a better attitude changes almost everything.
Here’s Help
We’re told in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NIV). Notice this verse doesn’t say we need to thank God for the difficulty, but it does say to thank him in it.
Philippians 1:29 (NIV) takes it to a whole new level.
For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.
Mom has learned to lean on God as her protector. She’s learned to rest in a lonely house without fear of every strange noise (Isaiah 41:10).
While this has been a most trying season in Mom’s life, what a blessing to have a mom whose faith hasn’t wavered through it all! I’ve watched her faith grow stronger. She’s impacted not only her children, but her grandchildren. Friends. Neighbors. Her healthcare providers. I know God is smiling.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3 NIV).
Mom has learned the secret to His peace. She finds it in His Word and prayer. He is her constant companion. By His strength, she keeps pulling up her big girl panties. What are you facing that requires big girl panties?
Bio: Lisa T. Grimes serves as a Managing Director of Lead Wholly (https://leadwholly.com/) and Habergeon LLC (https://habergeon.com/about/) and is co-author of Remember Who YOU Are.
Thank you, Lisa and Amy, for inspiring us!
Blessings,
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Wonderful tribute and I assert that as we begin to lose that generation of believers, the church will be impoverished. We need to STEP UP!!
Michele, that is so true. There is great wisdom and comfort found in the presence of those who’ve walked this path longer than I have.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute. Have a blessed Mother’s Day!
Thank you, Melissa. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Happy Mother’s Day, strong and faithful lady. You are beautiful.
Thank you, Glenda. God bless you!
That is exactly the kind of mom and grandmother I want to be! She sounds like an amazing woman. Happy, blessed Mother’s Day to her and to you!
I know you will be. She certainly is a wonderful role model and fabulous baker! Happy Mother’s Day, Ann!
A beautiful tribute. Thanks for sharing.
Barbara, I appreciate your reading and commenting. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day.
How I love this! I want to be like this as I grow older. Thank you for sharing such a courageous, “big girl panty” mama of courage!
Me too, Maryleigh.
What a lovely tribute. I hope to be this kind of mom and grandmother as well.
Me too, Barbara. Thanks so much for adding your comments.
Love this! What a wonderful lady! Thank you for showing us how to find joy in the Lord during the hard times
Yes she is! Thanks, Connie.
Oh Ms. Lisa, what a moving tribute. I remember watching my mama’s faithfulness as she fought her battle with Parkinson’s. It may have taken her earthly life, but it sure didn’t even come close to winning. Said a prayer for your mama ma’am. Those are tough seasons indeed, and while we can adapt to vision loss, and there’s some great resources out there, it sure isn’t easy. Thank you for sharing this Ms. Debbie.
J.D., thank you for sharing your encouragement and thoughts. Aging isn’t for sissies. But the obstacles, like the last month of pregnancy, are readying us for heaven.
This was just beautiful! As we lose this generation of believers, may we all recognize the need to follow in their footsteps and also depend on God in all things. The generation behind us will need to see these qualities to also emulate them. May the Lord help me to be this kind of mom and mimi is my prayer!
Yes, Lord help me to show that resilience and trust in my everyday life. Thank you, Joanne!
Thanks for sharing Debbie and Lisa. Lisa, your amazing mom reminds me of an older friend who faced so many tragedies in her life and just kept pulling on her big girl pants (love that expression). I hope all women have such person in their life to inspire them
Candace, I had a neighbor who was that for me when I was a new mom. What a gift to have someone model faith and hope.
What a strong woman of faith and a wonderful role model for us. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your mother’s story to help us on our journey (and help us pull on our “big girl panties”). Happy Mother’s Day Debbie, Lisa, and families.
Thank you, Katherine. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
She sounds like an amazing woman. What a blessing and wonderful example of praising God no matter the current circumstances. Thank you for shoDebbie.
Thank you, Yvonne.
What a lovely tribute. Thank you for sharing it. Time with God builds a strong foundation and its evident in this Mom’s life.
You’re so right, Sylvia. We never know when storms will hit. Building our lives on a firm foundation makes all the difference.
It’s reassuring to hear from those suffering in the storms of life that God’s anchor does hold, as we grip the truths of His Word, that praise and gratitude do provide powerful uplift, and it is possible to experience joy in His presence even when we’re hurting. Thank you for sharing Amy’s story!
I agree, Nancy. Testimonies of God’s grace and sufficiency calm us in our own storms.
We can learn a lot from our moms. Both from what they tell us and what they show us. Happy Mother’s Day to you and to all the amazing mothers who raise strong women!
Thank you, Lux! God bless.
Debbie, thanks for sharing Lisa’s tribute to her mother Amy. My mother has faced many recent challenges, namely Dementia. She now lives with me and this remindes me of her steadfast faith. This inspiring post offers insight to care givers and family.
Lisa, I’m so glad to hear that. I hadn’t thought of that aspect. Bless you!
Very inspiring message, Debbie. Thank you!
Annie, thanks so much for reading.