A Moment With Pastor Fred

Happy Mother’s Day.

Observed in 40 countries, our tradition goes back over 100 years. Not only is Susan the mother of our four children – now our three daughters are mothers themselves and my daughter-in-law a mother too. I know the holiday can be difficult for several reasons – we always seek to be sensitive with the holiday. And yet we all have mothers.

You never knew my mom. She loved visiting the churches in which we served. Folks loved to hear the stories from my childhood – especially the ones when I didn’t behave. Go figure. My mother’s name was Elnora. She died at the age of 79 in 1998 of pancreatic cancer. For over 30 years she taught high school freshman health and physical education. She had a bubbly personality, was a great storyteller and a super cook but the one quality I admire most was her perseverance.

Mom went through some very difficult times yet maintained a positive, non-complaining, cheerful spirit. As a believer she grasped the biblical truth that God rules and reigns. Her response to circumstances was gratitude. Dad suffered his first heart attack when I was three. Mom was teaching full time. He recovered but died suddenly in 1972 leaving her with three kids under 17. I can never remember her questioning “why me?” but plowing ahead with “what now?” Mom knew God must be pleased in her response to life’s circumstances, 2 Cor 5:9. When the doctor’s diagnosis came at the age of 77 – she was once again grateful, thankful for her life and the many blessings she had experienced. I truly desire to follow in her footsteps.