Legacy | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Legacy | Previous Challenge Entry
By Barb Burke
04/16/15
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Brittany sat in the small church looking down at her new shoes. She was alone in the building but knew it wouldn’t be long before it was standing room only. A tear waffled down her cheek even as a tiny smile formed on her lips. Thoughts of Mamma sitting in this same row every Sunday morning made her feel a sense of peace.

Mamma’s life had not been easy. In fact, Brittany hadn’t really thought too much about how she had handled it all until she herself became a mother. As an adult, she realized just how much her mother’s faith in Jesus had made the difference between despair and enjoying life. Her father had left when Brittany was quite young, leaving Mamma with her and three brothers. As she grew older, she often asked Mamma about her father. Mamma was never ashamed to confess her struggles with confusion, anger, pain, frustration and fear in trying to raise kids as a single mom. But she was always quick to add how it had all been possible only by the strength she gained through the joy of the Lord. Brittany’s respect for her mother had grown immensely as she herself had grown and watched her mother walk out everything she talked.

“Mamma, I miss you.” Brittany whispered the words, choking back the torrent of emotion welling up inside her. She shook her head wondering how she would make it through the service.

“Brittany?” John’s voice came softly behind her. She whipped her eyes and turned to see her husband’s tender face. She stood up and smoothed her dress. John held out his hand and she gratefully slipped her hand in his and walked down the aisle toward the front door. Once there, she turned and looked again at the picture of her mother; eyes full of laughter and an almost tangible joy for life. Smiling, she turned and walked outside and meet others as they arrived.

The family had insisted on meeting everyone at the door as they arrived. Mamma’s favorite place was in front of the church doors every Sunday talking and chatting with everyone she could. When she greeted people, they knew she was the real deal and was genuinely concerned with their well-being, never missing an opportunity to celebrate with someone’s good news or to pray with someone who needed a friend by their side. Mamma truly loved people and the family had wanted to honor her by taking her place in greeting this morning.

The church quickly filled and Brittany and all her family were ushered to the front rows and seated. Before she realized it, she heard her name called. “And now Brittany would like to say a few words about her mother.” She looked at Pastor Rob and stood to her feet. The worn but clean carpet seemed to move as she somehow glided to the platform and stood behind the light oak pulpit.

In a slow but steady voice, Brittany spoke. “Thank you for coming to honor Mamma today. She would be so touched to see such a crowd of friends here. As you all know, Mamma truly loved people.” A low but quick response of acknowledgement swept through the crowd with a wave of head nods.

“There is a saying that if something survives examination, if it bears up and remains verifiable, we say it stands the test of time. Mamma’s faith, without a doubt, certainly stands the test of time. She taught me so much. She truly enjoyed life, no matter what up or down situations came our way. She loved Jesus with all her heart and loved His people just the same.” Um-hums were echoed through the crowd.

Brittany continued. “Well, Mamma, your life of faith passes all examination and scrutiny being found as a resounding real deal. Your life undeniably stood for Jesus. Your faith and wisdom you received from the Lord remains verifiable as you have passed so much of that wisdom into my life, and many others here. Thank you for standing for Jesus and letting me watch you during it all. It was the best and most precious gift you could ever give me and I am honored to now let my life also stand for Jesus.”

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