May 6, 2016 Brethren Letter
Dear Brethren,
Since this Sunday is “Mother’s Day” in America, I’m going to resend a letter that I wrote previously on this subject. I updated it from last time.
Have a good Sabbath!
Your brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold
May 8, 2015
Dear Brethren,
My mom is a never-ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune. – AUTHOR UNKNOWN
This evening, our daughter came over to give her mom a “Mother’s Day” card and gift. Sometime later our son will be coming over. Both of our children are thankful for the special lady who has been their mother from the very day they were born.
Tonight I was thinking of my own mother, and reflecting upon her life. It has been many years now since I’ve seen her. She died in 1977. Thinking back, I can remember how she took such loving care of her family. She helped my dad with his flooring business and still managed to find time to be an excellent homemaker. She helped me with my homework, would come with my dad to high school football games on cold winter nights to watch me play the trombone in the marching band. She encouraged me to be the best person I could be, and yes, corrected me when I needed it.
One time, when I was about eight years old, I was riding my bicycle at a high rate of speed just to see how fast it would go. Then, while I was racing downhill, I foolishly decided to take my hands off the handle bars and put my feet up on the frame. Well, my attempt at being a stunt-man was short-lived. The bike went one way and my body another. The front fender of the bike ended up bent, my hands and knees were badly scraped, and my “pride” wasn’t doing well either.
However, when I returned home, knees bleeding, my mother didn’t focus on my foolishness. She didn’t scold me for damaging my bike. She was much more concerned about my injuries, and tended to them quickly. Someday, at her resurrection, I’ll be able to say, “Mom, I’m glad you are my mother. Thank you for all you have done. I love you!” My mother was very deserving of the honor that God wants all mothers and fathers to have!
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3)
We can see how Jesus Christ showed such care and honor for His mother even at the time of His crucifixion. Here is that example.
(25) Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
(26) When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!”
(27) Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
(28) After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!”
(29) Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth.
(30) So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (John 19:25-30)
All of us have fond memories of times spent with our mothers. Just think of it, someday each of them will have their first opportunity to understand the TRUTH of God!
This coming Sunday is recognized as “Mother’s Day”. Happy Mother’s Day to each of you fine ladies who have given of yourselves so wonderfully to your families!
Your Brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold