In honour of my Mother

Before I could walk or talk, I knew God’s love. His presence was right there, in and through my parents. Their Heavenly Father inspired them, just as he had inspired their parents.

My Mum told the story of a cold winter’s morning, when her three year old son climbed into bed for a cuddle. Eventually she said, “Well, I’d better go and cook some breakfast” to which I replied, “God can cook us breakfast!” “No, dear, there are some things he expects us to do for ourselves.” “Doesn’t God have any saucepans?”

I’ve learned a few things about God since then, but I’m still convinced about one thing: God is experienced through people. That’s my epistemology. God always intended to reveal himself through people. Humans were designed to image him (Genesis 1:26-27). The reason he established Israel was to make him known to the nations (Exodus 19:5-6). And the ultimate knowledge of God was revealed in a human: Jesus of Nazareth (Hebrews 1:1-4). This is a little scary, but the best chance anyone has of knowing God today is to know his people — the people who are in his Son, the embodiment (body) of Jesus in his world.

My Mum didn’t just tell me about God. She showed me what God was like. She would be highly embarrassed if she saw that statement published, but she can’t complain now. Her funeral is tomorrow.

Well done, Mum. I am forever grateful for your life. Especially, I’m grateful for introducing me to God, showing me his character, even before I could walk or talk. I look forward to seeing you and Dad in the resurrection.

Perhaps she should have the last word.

Doris Browne, Created for His Glory, (Doris Browne, 2008), 199–200:

Every day, every moment of my entire life, my dear Saviour has been caring for me. He has been my Helper, my Guide, my constant Companion, and Friend. One day, because of the price He paid at Calvary, I shall have the joy of seeing Him face to face — the day I come to the end of my earthly journey.

Dear reader, I urge you: walk daily with your hand in the hand of our majestic, compassionate, loving God. Choose Him as your constant companion and guide. Then you will have life with a capital L. Life that reflects His love to those around you, giving glory back to Him.