Our mom went to heaven on October 27 and the two weeks following, my sister and I were in a whirlwind to clean out her one-bedroom apartment in order to turn the keys in to management. As we went through boxes, drawers, and closets we were saddened by the realization that our mother had nothing of “value”. Nothing was real. Her jewelry was costume, her fur (a throw) was faux, and her trinkets from the thrift store. She liked clothes and had nice ones but not expensive . Her meager life insurance policy took care of final arrangements with a couple of hundred dollars to spare. Her retirement fund, which she contributed to all her working days, abruptly ended upon her death. Are you seeing the picture I am painting here?
For where a woman’s heart is – there lies her treasure. Matthew 6.21 (my paraphrase)
As executor, I had mail to sort through and some scant paperwork to do – the main thing was writing ten ministries to inform them that Mrs. Chamberlain had gone on to glory and please suspend the donation requests. Also, a few ministries had to be contacted to suspend automatic drafts from her checking account. Oh yes, and her checking account? Had barely enough in it to get her through until her next Social Security & pension checks.
Our mother’s treasure was not in earthly things. Not in things that moth nor rust nor worm destroy; not in things that thieves desired to steal. Her Treasure was in One – His Name?
Her Beloved.
Her Redeemer.
Her Husband.
Her Savior.
Her Song of songs.
Her Strong Tower.
Her Protector.
Her Provider.
Her Sustainer.
Her Healer.
Her First & Only Love…
The Lord Jesus Christ.
Now, as my sister and I walk through each day – longing to call her – wanting to turn the key in her apartment door – wanting to take her to Walmart – wanting to take her for a drive – we are comforted by the truth that she lived a life of GREAT VALUE and one that honored and glorified her Heavenly Father and,
we. are. blessed. beyond. measure.
xo
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As I read this, tears began again. Was she outspoken almost to being rude? Yes, at times. Was she brutal sometimes about people? Yes, some times. Was she opinionated? Oh my YES! Numerous times in my life I was “accused” of being “just like your mother”. I always took it as a very bad thing. I am not in the presence of the accuser anymore and I thank my Abba Father for making me just like my Mom! I want to be as strong as she was, as in love with Jesus as she was, as diligent about giving to the Lord’s work. She tithed to her church and several projects in the church. She gave over and above her income! She NEVER lacked for anything in her life … more than enough … she walked in truth with the Lord and now — NOW — she has her reward. One of her young friends, 14 I think, who went to her church mentioned the song I can only Imagine yesterday on Facebook. I posted “I believe Ma bowed to her Lord and Savior and then very boldly RAN (yes she runs now) into the arms of her LORD AND SAVIOR and just let HIM hold her.” Her young friend agreed emphatically!
I miss you Ma and you are still “number 2″ on my speed dial. Can’t give it up yet. Send some more yellow roses just so we can IMAGINE and KNOW!
tears flow.
Susan & Peggy,
You both are such a blessing to me and have always been.
My Mom went to Heaven in 2002 and I still catch myself thinking about picking up the phone and giving her a call. Oh, to just hear her sweet little voice again or to be wrapped in those little arms of love. We learn so much from our Moms.
Through the years as I had conversations with your Mom I heard a very strong lady who truly loved the LORD. At various times in conversation I would hear the outspoken, brutal sometimes about people and opinionated Terry. Reminds me of little Ms. Grace in a lot of ways. Any wonder why they became such good friends? Neither of them beat around the bush much on anything. They both had such a strong love for GOD and went above and beyond blessing and giving to ministries for GOD. What a blessing this world had with both of them being a part of it. I love you both and pray that time will ease the pain and emptiness from missing your Mom.
Rose, you are absolutely right that Miss Grace and Miss Terry were very similar in personality. I’m sure those two have enjoyed many a cup of tea on their porches in Heaven!!!!
Terry was a very special lady. She prayed for my Larry every day. He loved and kept every card that she ever sent him. Our church misses her so very much. She was such a great help to me when I headed Women’s Ministries. She is so much better off, but………it’s our loss.
Thank you Joyce – your kindness and love to our mom is so appreciated. xo
WOW…what a wonderful tribute to your Mom!
I too, long to pick up the phone and call Gramma. I’m so, so thankful that I can still hear her laugh. I miss her dearly. Treasures? She didn’t have much. BUT how I love seeing her purple makeup bag in my purse every time I open it. That is my treasure now, Cover Girl powder and all!!! Cousins, if you ever need to be reminded of Gramma, pick up a Cover Girl powder and inhale deeply. Gramma definitely won in the end, didn’t she? Hallelujah! Man how awesome it is going to be to run through those gates and see my Gramma running up to me! That is, if I am able to move after coming face to face with Him. Glorious day……
A true blessing that you and Grandma became close over the past five years – she loved you so very much, Marn’ and was very proud of you! You were her hero!
Years ago I was going through some things in our utility room. It was the usual, twice a year, clean up, which I dread more and more! Among stuff, I came across a large plastic tub and a “letter jacket” from high school that our one and only son wore proudly. Shoes, pictures, baby book, the jeans of a tiny boy (wait…Chris was never tiny!) but what struck me the most was the fact that while he had forgotten the treasures his mother kept and could no longer wear the football jersy and the letter jacket, that over the 18 years he lived in our home we worked diligently to instil in him “things that remain”. Those things include a faith and trust in HIS Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the beginning of his very own FAITH walk and morals and ethics and an abounding love for the Word of God. Those are the things that remain. The best things. Your mother had the BEST things, those things that remain for eternity in the minds and hearts of all those she loved and who loved her.
Terry was a special one that God placed through my life and my mom’s. Mom’s best friend …. she was one always there to talk, to share with a listening ear who cared and loved you always… she is missed. My mom has been very sick, still is. God has given that gift of life for her right now. A lot to get better. Not knowing what is ahead…. if Terri was here I would be calling her every day. But God has a plan for all of us. What we have learned from Terri is that what we have here on earth is not going with u. God gives our needs, she knew that. Thank you Terri for your love, look forward to seeing you again. She shared my husband’s b-day March 7, he died May 27, 07 – she on Oct 27. God bless Susan and Peg.