I have come
to realize that the most influential ministers are those not found in a pulpit
but maybe found right under one’s own roof. I have realized the person who was
responsible for ministering to me, giving me wise counsel and my spiritual
mentor has been the one who has been there through every season of my life. That
person was not my seminary professor, youth leader growing up, colleague or bestselling
author. Sometimes God gives you a good minister for your church but in unique
circumstances God gives you a great minister underneath your own roof.
My mother grew up on a cotton farm in Tennessee, one of many brothers and
sisters. By today’s standards you could call them poor, but with determination
and resolve her large family survived. While as a child and teenager she had
high dreams and aspirations in life. As her journey would have it life would
not produce her original career goals but would be that of a mother and
homemaker.
Most ministers describe their path into ministry as a calling. A calling as
interrupted as someone listening to the voice of God, allowing God to determine
your path in life, and following that path with purpose, vigor and perseverance
as you honor God along the way.
My mother’s calling and ministry was being a Mother. She served God by
serving and sacrificing for her family.
Until this day I never realized my mother was my minister growing up.
While she was a charter member of her home church and served as president of
her Sunday school class, even refusing official leadership roles; her
presences, attitude, words, character, and compassion brings skin to the gospel
of Jesus Christ.
So as a minister and father, I have been reflecting on exactly how she
did it. What is her secret? How could I emulate some of what she do into my
life? Here are just a few. I have realized
she has always been a better mother than I have been a son. She prayed for me a lot. She trusted in God
and believed that her prayers would be heard. When making bad decisions in my
life, she made me feel like I made a bad decision not that I was a bad person.
She lived the true meaning of forgiveness.
She never ever spoke a bad or negative word about anyone. And always
hoped for the best even in the worst. She swatted my backside when it needed to
be swatted, bandaged my physical and emotional boo boo’s, dried my tears, took
my temperature when I was sick or when life was getting me down. She fed me
meals when I was hungry and prayers when I was spiritual malnourished. She led
by example, never force. She allowed me to find my own path in life and in
God’s calling. As I grew older, she always coached from the sideline, never
interfering, and always rooting for me.
She always put her own needs, wants, and desires second behind the ones
she loves. She is a source of calm and security in times in uncertainty. She
always knows the exact thing to say at the exact appropriate time. She always
listened more than she lectured. She exhibited a sense or core values that were
infused in each of her children and grandchildren.
While my mother was never ordained, went to seminary, or stood in the
pulpit to preach the gospel, she lived the true mission of Jesus Christ. She
lives with a meek authority only that could come from above, with a grace and
compassion that is unique and inspiring. Through her servant hood and
sacrifice, she exhibited, taught, and made disciples of Jesus Christ. Looking
back on my life, I can see God’s hand working through her to prepare me to do
what I do. I have learned that the legacy we leave in others is more valuable
than the things we accomplish today. I am overwhelmed at the blessing she is in
my life and so many others. I know that this is not normal and that I am one
lucky guy. When I search my conscious for a depiction of Jesus, I see my
mother. In the eyes of our world my mother was not a successful woman, but in
the eyes of God, she truly is a Big Momma. I am grateful and proud to say my Mother;
everyone’s Big Momma is my minister.
