A Few Simple Words

“Yep, it feels great,” I replied.

“You know, I like comfortable clothes. And if they look good, well, that’s even better.”

Simple words. A normal conversation. Yet, on this day, a normal conversation with my mother felt extraordinary. It had been a long time since we shared one.

My mother’s health was quickly deteriorating. As her body was breaking down, so was her mind. Her confusion poured out in fearful questions, “Where am I? Why do I feel so sick? When can I get out of here? Where’s Daddy (my father)?”

For months, a normal conversation had been beyond her ability. But, on that Friday afternoon, she and I were like two girls at a slumber party. I climbed into her bed, laid down next to her, and we chatted.

“We’re going camping this weekend. So, you won’t see me until Sunday.”

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“Pymatuning State Park. On the border of Pennsylvania.”

“Okay. Have a nice time,” Mom said as I rose to leave. “I’ll see you Sunday.” She smiled as I kissed her goodbye.

In this age of text rather than talk, Mom was a relic from a bygone era. In her day, people dropped in to visit. Neighbors sat down and shared the latest news over coffee. Ringing phones were answered in anticipation of who cared enough to call. Conversation was art and Mom a master of the craft.

Even at the care center, she won hearts with words. She asked the staff about their personal lives. She expressed gratitude as they cared for her needs. She blessed them with prayers. Often, they’d tell me with misty eyes, “I love your mom.”

As I left her room that Friday afternoon, I felt hopeful. Could this normal conversation be a sign? Was Mom turning the corner towards recovery? But, it was not to be. Three weeks later, she died.

Instead, our Friday afternoon conversation had been a gift. God gave me one last glimpse of the sweet mother I knew and loved for a lifetime. It’s surprising how precious a few simple words can be. 

My beautiful mother, Mary Salva,
left this earth to meet her Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 4, 2012.

Rita, Mark and son Welcome to  Real Life . Mark and Rita fell in love, married, and had two children. Then, Mark met Beth. They ended up having an affair. Mark left his family and married Beth. Eight months later, Mark had a life-altering stroke. This is Beth and Rita’s story of grace.  Beth   I made a decision to accept Jesus as my Savior when I was a young teenager. However, I didn’t really know what that meant. I didn’t understand salvation or grace. I knew God, but kept my distance from him.  I felt like I was too far gone. I wasn’t worthy of his forgiveness. When I met Mark, I was rebounding from a long, unhealthy relationship. Ironically, what drew me to him was the way he interacted with his family. Mark was and is a patient, loving father.  I saw the special relationship he had with his children. As we began the affair, I was racked with guilt. I consoled myself with the thought that he was the one sinning, not me. He was the married one. I was single.  Beth and

Welcome to Real Life . In today’s Ministry Spotlight, join my conversation with . . . Michelle Virnelson Love INC (in the Name of Christ) Cuyahoga County, Ohio Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor. Deuteronomy 15:10-11 NLT Michelle, tell us about your position at Love in the Name of Christ. I’m the Clearing House Coordinator as we partner with local churches to help people in crisis. Every person who calls Love INC for help eventually goes through me. We take their information and then I match them with resources to meet their need. 2019 Update:  Michelle is now Executive Director of Love INC Cuyahoga County. How do people in crisis find Love INC? They are often referred to us by their church, or an agency like United Way or Catholic Charities, and sometimes word of mouth. Te

Welcome to Real Life. Do you need courage today? Grace Church women feigning anxiety during a tornado alert. On the morning I began to read the book of Joshua , I woke up feeling anxious. I have suffered through a few bouts of anxiety/depression in my adult life. Lately, I’m battling it again. In the words of Dr. Timothy Keller, “I’m addicted to a high level of productivity.” I pile on projects and responsibilities until I overload. Then, I feel overwhelmed, anxious, can’t sleep, etc. I’ve learned to view these symptoms as God’s check in my spirit: It’s time to back off and chill out, Peg. As I read God’s encouragement to Joshua, I knew his words were for me as well: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV). Joshua was justifiably anxious. Moses, the awesome prophet—who stood up to Pharaoh, called plagues down on Egypt, and led Israel out o