When I grow weary and feel like the world turned against me, I remember one encounter with my mother, leading me back to reality. When my mother waited to receive medicine from the anesthetist to put her to sleep for open-heart surgery, I grabbed her hand and prayed for health and a speedy recovery. She grabbed my face and looked me in the eyes so that I knew that what she said came from her heart. She said, “Joe Keith, you have to know that I love you, son; you have to know.” As they injected the glorious medication that leads you to another world, she still uttered the words, “I love you, son.” I felt blessed to be loved so wholly and completely.
There is not a day that goes by in my life that my sons fail to hear, “I love you.” My mother taught me that a tiny expression creates a lifetime of joy and contentment. One small sentence yields one significant affirmation of self. I learned that when I speak truth into a person’s life, I bring the good news of faith and hope. All these reassurances stem from a simple lesson taught by a mighty woman, Ruby Jane.
Today, I carry the lesson forward as I recite the exact words to the woman who speaks the same way to my children. My boys do not go a day without hearing that they are loved. With the affirmation of hope, we lay the foundation of faith and joy. May I carry the good news into the world so that all may find a place of hope. May they hear of unconditional love open to everyone who accepts it. Praise be to God for our Mighty Mammas, who teach us how to be in this world and that love is more powerful than any weapon.
From a Pastor's Point of View 