“At the young age of forty-one, she became a widow. Even then, no matter how bleak the circumstance, she never doubted the promises of God. She believed good things come to those who place their faith in God.” Excerpt from Reflections of Grace, My Mother.

September 2018. Not Yet, But Soon

I will keep on believing like my mama taught me. She taught by example to place my faith in God, not in the things (or people) of this world. Philippians 4:13 was her life Scripture. She believed and lived it.

“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”

Paul wrote this Scripture from a dark prison cell. He was most likely hungry and lonely for the friendships of other believers. Yet, he tells us he can do this because God is with him and gives him the strength to face each day. In the worst circumstances and a bleak future, Paul tells us to keep our eyes on Jesus.

Like Paul, my mama knew she could face anything because God was her strength. This did not mean that things were always peaceful in my mama’s life; it meant that she found peace in God for whatever she faced. It didn’t mean that she always had plenty; there were times she struggled financially as a young widow with children. But she trusted God for whatever she needed in every circumstance. Having God was more than enough because when she was weak, God was stronger.

These are some of the “nuggets of gold” my mama taught me along the way. She taught by living her faith for all to see. And today, as I travel through a cancer journey, because of what she taught me, I am confident that through Him, because of Him, I can do this. When I am weak, He is strong.

Not yet, but soon I will walk through the door with the word “exit” written above it, and this part of the journey will end.

Today, I cling to my faith and push on. It’s what my mama taught me.