I really do enjoy Mother's Day - I get spoiled a bit with presents and yummy meals made by loving hands.  It's also a bittersweet day for me - reminding me of my own mother and how much I'd like to send her flowers or a card, or better yet, call her and thank her for all she did in raising the 4 of us through trying times.  But Mama has been in heaven for the last 19 Mother's Days - and I still miss her.  

Recently I found a copy of a letter that she wrote to her children (my 3 brothers and I)  at the

4 generations:  Great-grandpa and grandma Mitchell,
Grandma Elsie Rice, Mama and baby me 

onset of the disease that was quickly taking her mind, and her body,  away from us.  As I read her beautiful (cursive) handwriting, I could envision her sitting down to write it, with her Bible at her side.  Even though she did not yet know that her mind was going and that she had a very short time left to communicate with her family, Someone moved her and enabled her to express her deepest desire for her children.  As I read through the verses I knew that these were the words that she had lived by for most of her 60 years -- not mere platitudes. God's word was the anchor of her soul and she wanted deeply, for her children to have that same anchor of hope.   

Anna and Peter, I know you're the ones who are supposed to be giving me a present.   But this year, I want to give you the present of the heritage of faith from your grandmother.   I pass this letter on to you.  Your Grandma Anne was a hard-working, creative and compassionate woman who would be so proud of you and all of her grandchildren.   I know that she'd want the same for you.  Just 9 months after she wrote this, my first child was born.  Mama had already lost the ability to speak and a month later lost the ability to write anything.  We could no longer use words to communicate, but I know these words below were written on her heart.

Her words lack the eloquence she was known for since the dementia had already begun, but her heart is evident still.  For anyone who reads this, what is your legacy?  Are you living the Word?  My mother, and her mother, lived what they breathed each day from God's Word. I write this as a challenge to myself as well - Live the Word, don't just read it or listen to it.  

[Since her letter is in cursive, I'm "translating" here and adding in the text of the verses.]  

The greatest gift I could ever hope to give to or leave with my daughter and sons, and their families at Christmas or anytime, would be the desire and commitment to seek and live by the Holy Scripture --Man cannot live by bread and material things alone.  

I commend to you a few passages that have great meaning which can enrich your daily life and help sustain you in your hour of need, an experience which comes to all of us at some time.

23rd and 24th Psalms  [NIV] 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

[Psa 24:1-10 NIV] 1  The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;  for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.  Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?  The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.  They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior.  Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.  Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.  Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.  Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.  Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory. 

 27th Psalms v 1-2  [NIV] The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?  When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.

100th Psalm  [ NIV]  A psalm. For giving grateful praise. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.  Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

 127th Psalm  [NIV] . Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves.  Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

Matthew 22:36-40  [NIV]  "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"  Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Matthew 25:37-40  [NIV] "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

Luke 12:31  [NIV]  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Luke 22:66-71  [NIV]  At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them.  "If you are the Messiah," they said, "tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me,  and if I asked you, you would not answer.  But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."  They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You say that I am."  Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."

John 11:25-27  [NIV]  Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;  and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"  "Yes, Lord," she replied, "I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."

John 14:1-11  [NIV] "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going."  Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"  Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."  Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."  Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?  Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.  Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.

1 Corinthians chapter 13  [NIV]  If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.  For we know in part and we prophesy in part,  but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.  And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Revelation 3:20 [NIV]  Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 

Happy Mother's Day 2016!
Nancy 

Dear Mother

I recently found this letter tucked away among other old papers and thought I should share it with you all.  My mom, Anne, has been gone from us for 17 years now, and it still seems like yesterday.   In a week, that tiny baby she got to hold for a few minutes, my oldest and her namesake, will be heading off to college!  

As I read this I was struck by the warm memories and the love she felt for her own mother, Elsie Rice.  I believe she wrote this as a tribute to her mother on her 77th birthday.  

May 8, 1990

Dear Mother,
I want to write about some of my good memories through these many years--the number of years will go unmentioned, okay?

My earliest memory, and I've spent some time thinking on this one, is probably moving to Virginia and settling into that big house in the cold.  Barbara's birth is another early one.  I remember feeling such surprise that such a thing could happen to us.  Didn't Ella Adkins come and fix breakfast that morning?  I also remember some discussion about a name for the new little girl...maybe you can fill  in the gaps here.

The funniest memory I have was on Barbara's birthday just a few years ago.  I know you remember how hilarious we all thought you  were arriving at that crazy costume party in black tights and your bright-colored swimsuit, wearing a headband, jewelry, and a mouth full of gum!  And were there sunglasses, too?  Others had funny outfits, but yours was a real shocker!!!  George Hobbs, and all the rest of us, laughed until we were nearly sick!   I'll never forget it!

I fondly remember our wedding and how you worked to make a nice party for us and a beautiful cake--all in a shiny clean house!  Best of all, I remember the loving things you said after the wedding and before I lefts as a married woman--no, I can't say I remember the things you said; the well-loved feeling is what I remember.

My favorite memories are of our happy childhood working and playing together.  There was always work to do, carrying in wood and water, helping with supper, and always the bedroom needed cleaning; maybe the most fun was working in tobacco, almost the worst thing in the world!

I also have a memory that just keeps coming back from the period when I worked and lived in Richmond and rode the Greyhound to Gill's Store on weekends.  One Saturday afternoon, Gladys Miles was on teh bus and recognized me because I looked so much like her friend, Elsie.  She talked to me a long time about how special you were and what a high goal I would if i could only "grow up to be like my mother".  That may have been the first time I knew how appreciated you were by other women.  It was a good feeling!

And there are lots of other memories.  Altogether, they make up a wonderful life so far.  I love you very much and appreciate all the little things you've done over the years to bring me along--mostly, though, I thank you for all the big things: listening to my troubles and praying for me (us), helping bring up my children, and loving me no matter what.  You're the best! 

My love,

 

I hope you all enjoy reading this.  Just a side note too this - Barbara's birthday is this Friday!   Maybe we should have another crazy costume party for her?!

Walnut Cove Days

Elsie Mitchell at age 18, 1931.

Walnut Cove, North Carolina is a pretty small place.  The last time I was there, I almost missed it.   Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mts, just north of Winston-Salem, it's typical small town America today with 3 blocks of 'downtown' shops, banks, and library surrounded by modest homes and businesses.

But in 1913, I'm sure things were different.  Grandma's father, Will Mitchell was young and trying to make a go of farming with his new wife, Mattie Bell.  Then Elsie came along, and then another and another.  Farming in those hills was hard too.  Grandma spoke of how he'd spend his days digging rocks out of the fields so the tobacco could grow.  Of course they grew as many vegetables as they could as well so they'd have something to eat, with the usual chickens, pigs and milk cow as well.

Mattie Bell made sure her children attended church with her, even if her husband didn't always join them.  She had a strong faith and wanted her children to have the same.   One warm summer day, she gathered Elsie and her sister, Ruby, a chair and a pot of snap beans and settled under the large shade tree in the yard.   The beans were coming in fast and it was time to put some up for the winter, which meant using little hands to get the job done.

As they sat under the tree, Elsie leaned against her mother's knees and helped - picking up bean after bean, snapping off the ends, and dropping them in another pan.   Ruby, too small for such work, sat in the shade playing with flowers.

Times like this are precious for a mother and Mattie Bell used that afternoon to tell her oldest daughter about God's love for her and how Jesus came so that he could take the punishment for our sins and bring us back into a right relationship with God our Father.  This was the first time that Elsie remembered hearing the Gospel, at her mother's knee under a cool shade tree over a bowl of green beans.

I'm sure it wasn't the last either because Elsie put her faith in Jesus and lived her life, all 90 years of it, guided by His Word.  She learned to lean on Him in the good times and in the bad times, knowing He'd always be there for her.

She also learned something else from her mother over those green beans... how to make a wonderful pot of green beans, ham and all.  Yum! I can taste them now just thinking about it!

Being Mother

While I was a student at Wheaton College, a friend and I were "adopted" by a couple from our church.   Once a month, or as was most often the case, once a week, we'd have a fine Sunday dinner with Angus and Betty.  If you can't guess by the names, they were British, very British.  He worked for Air Canada then, but had lived in many other places before Wheaton.    Those Sunday afternoons included some wonderful food, stories of WWII and post-war London, and of course a cup of tea.   Betty would bring in the tray laden with a pot of strong tea, a pot of hot water, milk and sugar and cups and saucers.  As she knelt by the table she'd proclaim, "I'll be Mother" and proceed to pour each of us a cup of tea according to our individual tastes.  I'd take mine strong with a spoon of sugar, but Angus liked his weak with milk of course, no sugar.  She'd proceed to pour and mix each cup to suit our tastes.  


Betty was simply serving tea, but that simple statement of "I'll be Mother" said so much more than that.  Being Mother entails so much more than just doing the needed chore.  And it's something I'm continuing to learn after 16 years of on the job training.    Being Mother is all about serving, serving out of love, serving each child uniquely and unconditionally.   I first began to learn about being Mother by watching my own mother, and by watching her mother.  When I came along, my mom already had 2 boys keeping her more than busy, and another followed soon after me.   Her mother, Elsie, still had a teenager at home, her baby, Billy. 

Her five children were always close to her, at least to her heart if not physically.  She was there to listen to their joys and laugh with them (the purple bathing suit story will have to come later!).  She was there to listen to their sorrows and cry with them, something she did for my mom many, many times.  She was on her knees for each of them in their hardest times - whether it was an alcoholic husband, the loss of an unborn child, a husband severely burned in an airplane accident, a wayward child, or her own son in the jungles of Vietnam.    The prayers never stopped.  


Grandma was there for each of us.  You could feel it in the hug as you walked in the door - the hug that said "I love you this much and I'll never stop!"   Us grandkids would be sent outdoors to explore, dig, swing, run, make mudpies, pick berries, and just be free of care.  While we were enjoying this freedom, she was sitting in the kitchen with our mother - listening over a cup of coffee, being Mother.  


When her daughter, Betsy, gave birth to her "fourth" child that turned out to be triplets, she wasted no time in getting on the plane and heading south to Colombia to lend a hand, and be Mother.


When a son-in-law died suddenly, she was there to cry, to love, to laugh - she was there to be Mother.


When the brothers and sisters didn't get along so well, she was Mother and quietly brought understanding and grace back to the conversation.  When there was separation, it was only physical, because each child was so close to her heart.  She was being Mother.   


Like her heart, her door was always open (though you had to be careful not to let the screen door bang so as not to wake up Papa!).   There were always Oreos in the cupboard, and popsicles in the freezer.   Flowers were always blooming, and there was always some craft in some stage of completion.  And by her chair in the den, was a well worn Bible.   


All this love and grace didn't come naturally - it came from her Father. "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." (I John 4:16)  Grandma had experienced God's love first hand, so it naturally flowed right back out to others.  


I'm writing this on Mother's Day, just a few days after her (would have been) 99th birthday.  Maybe that's why this is kind of sentimental, and I hope not too sappy.  I guess this is more of a reflection on motherhood than on Grandma's life.  But to me that's what her life was all about - being Mother.