Ode to Mother's



Just because today is Mother's Day doesn't mean that is why I'm writing about my Mom. However, it is Mother's Day so what better time to write about my Mom. Only, I'm not going to write about my Mom ... but rather the MomS God has put in my life.

The first picture you see is Shirley Chisum, the Mother of my Chris. She is Chris' Mom because she gave birth to him, but she is my Mom because I got to be the one to marry the boy to whom she gave birth. Actually, that is not true. She has chosen to love me as her own daughter because I married her son, but she didn't have to ... but how grateful I am that she did! I'd like to think I am not her "daughter-in-law" but rather her "daughter-in-love". Her house feels like home to me. Her encouragement makes me feel like I can carry on. Her belief in me makes me more confident to the things God has called me to do. Her voice on the phone (via skype) settles my heart. Her written words that tell me she loves me makes me feel warm. To Shirley, I love you. I'm so thankful God placed us in each other's hearts.

The second picture you see are my birth Mom, and my Mom by marriage. Now don't be confused. I am not adopted ... in the typical sense of the word ... but kinda. Let me explain.

My Mom died almost 15 years ago. I'm quite confident there is not a day that doesn't go by that her influence on me is not felt. My Mom could stretch a dollar, work wonders on a tuna casserole, paint, sew, and all other things practical Mom's do for their children. My Mom was a creative genius and I'd like to think I got that gene from her. She was a beautiful woman and I always cringed when someone made a comment that I looked more like her sister than her daughter. She gave me the gift of being thrifty, having a clean house, making the most of what God gives you, and selfishly giving to others. Let it be known my Mom was not perfect - however in God's wisdom, she was perfect for me. I am thankful for the gifts she gave me in her lifetime ... and the hope she pointed me to ... the hope of salvation and life in Christ Jesus.

Now, my adopted Mom is JoAnn ... the woman my Dad married after my Mom's death. I think she adopted me before I adopted her. She loved me well before I could formulate the words "Mom" in which to refer to her. She always introduced me to others as her daughter. Yet I somehow felt I was betraying my own Mom by calling JoAnn Mom. However, in God's perfect truth, He showed me that the heart is quite capable of loving. He, from His abundance, pours that love into our hearts and we are more than able to love multiples of people deeper through Him than anything we could muster on our own. Now, JoAnn is Mom. It's a title God gave me to call her ... a name that makes me feel loved, cared for, protected, special, and happy. It also gives "me the right to feel thrilled when I hear her say "Let's go shopping! JoAnn, I love you. I'm so glad you adopted me!

Shirley Chisum, Shirley Poe, and JoAnn Sanders Poe - to you I am grateful for loving me. Every MOM needs a base from which to operate successfully. You three are that base for me. Thank you.

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1 comments

  1. Cameron has always told me that you looked like your Mama, but that is the first picture I have ever seen of her. Oh my word! You and Libby are her mini-me's!! She is a beautiful woman (as are you sweet Christina).

    This touched my heart...

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