May 8, 2020 Brethren Letter
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
Since this coming Sunday is Mother’s Day, I was thinking of my mother and reflecting upon her life. It has been many years since I have seen her. She died of colon cancer in 1977. I can remember how through the years she took loving care of her family. She did everything from helping me with my homework repeatedly, to going to our high school football games (with my dad) on chilly winter nights, to watch me play the trombone in the marching band. ….and yes, she corrected me too, when I needed it.
When I was about eight years old, I remember racing my bicycle down the street one day just to see how fast I could go. Then, along the way I foolishly decided that I would take my hands off the handlebars while simultaneously putting my feet up on the frame of the bike. Well, my attempt at being a “stunt-man” was short-lived. The bike ended up going one way and my body went another. My hands and knees slid down the pavement, while my bike went into the neighbor’s yard. The front fender of the bike was bent, my hands and knees were badly scraped, and my “pride” was not doing very well. I remember thinking, “…that sure was stupid.”
However, when I returned home, my mother was more concerned about my injuries than anything else and tended to them at once. One thing she did not do, was make me feel any more foolish than I already did. Someday, at her resurrection, I will be able to tell her, “Mom, I am glad you are my mother. Thank you!” She was truly deserving of the honor that God wants 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 also can see how Jesus showed such care and honor for His mother even at the time of His crucifixion.
(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).
I am sure all of us have some fond memories of times spent with our mothers. I gave you one brief example of one of my experiences. Just think of it, each of our mothers (if they have not already been called by God), will have their first opportunity to understand the TRUTH of God someday! What a tremendous blessing that will be.
Since this coming Sunday is recognized in AMERICA as “Mother’s Day” I’ll say “Happy Mother’s Day” to each of you fine ladies who have given of yourselves to your families!
Please have a wonderful Sabbath!
Your Brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold