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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Appointment (02/09/12)
Mom was my best friend, mentor, and spiritual advisor. I still miss her greatly. No one ever doubted that she had a personal relationship with Jesus.

Loving all kids, Mom taught Sunday School and drove a school bus. One day, a little girl slumped up the steps, tears streaming down her face. Mom wrapped her arms around her. “What’s wrong?”

The little one swallowed her sobs and between gasps melted Mom’s heart. “My tooth fell out today. I was gonna put it under my pillow for the tooth fairy, but now it’s gone.” She flung her head on Mom’s shoulder.

The noise of the kids on the bus buzzed in Mom’s ears. The natives were getting restless. Nonetheless, that didn’t stop Mom from digging around for a scrap of paper. She penned a note for the little girl. Dear Tooth Fairy, Annie’s very first tooth fell out today. She was excited to put it under her pillow for you. However, you, of all people, know how small teeth are. Somehow the tooth lost its way. Please take this note as collateral until the fore-mentioned tooth is accounted for. Sincerely, Mrs. Bus-Driver

The next morning, the little girl skipped up the bus steps with a huge smile on her face and some money in her fist. Mom hugged her tightly, relieved that the tooth fairy accepted the letter. She had hundreds of stories like that. Most may not think of driving a school bus as a way to serve God, but not Mom. She took her ministry seriously.

It wasn’t all hugs and cuddles. She took quite a bit of guff for being the first female driver in the district. Tiny in stature, she held her head high when she walked into the bus garage full of men. “It's a man’s job. No way can a little lady handle such a big bus. Go back to the kitchen where you belong.” Those types of scoffs just made her work harder.

Finally, she proved herself worthy one morning by she stepping off the bus to separate a fight between two teen boys. Somehow she ended up with a broken ankle in the scuffle. It didn’t stop her though -- that afternoon she was back in the seat, cast, crutches, and a smile. It’s not easy to double-clutch and shift in a cast, but somehow Mom managed it. The guys didn’t taunt her much after that day.

When Mom died prematurely at 57, the entire town turned out for her funeral. I had selected one of my favorite hymns, Here I Am, Lord by Dan Schutte. In the verses, God, disappointed that His people aren’t behaving properly, seeks someone to minister to His children. During the chorus, the singer proclaims to do God’s bidding as long as He leads the way.

When we finished singing, the minister tossed his arms in the air. “I could stop now because that song eulogizes Elaine. No matter where God called her, she answered with a hearty, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ She carried Jesus’ love to everyone she met, the kids on the bus, her family, or the people she fed when she started the Bread Program. It wasn’t easy to talk the local stores to donate their day-old baked goods, but Elaine refused to relent until they agreed. God asked her to feed the hungry and she answered, ‘I will, Lord, if you show me the way.'”

Recently, I was appointed editor of my Church's newsletter. Overwhelmed, I quickly turned it into a chore instead of a blessing. Stressing over deadlines and fussing with the font so everything would fit, I literally became ill. I thought of the power of politicians and celebrities, then wondered why God couldn’t assign me one of those positions. Grumbling, I lifted my eyes upward. “Isn’t there something more important you want me to do, God?”

While wiping tears from my face, I clearly heard God asking, "If not you, then who?"

Trembling, I pictured the toothless, little girl to whom Mom tended. If my mother wasn’t above ministering on a dirty school bus, who was I to question God’s calling.

Summoning all of my courage, I answered, “Here I am, Jesus, use me."
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This article has been read 1295 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
02/16/12
This was a beautiful story, so relevant to being Christians, and being "planted where God puts us." It is up to us to accept His assignments for us, each one as important as the next.

If this is a true story -Sorry for your mom's premature death - but what a wonderful legacy she left behind.

Great job. Thank you for this precious story.

God Bless~
Kathleen Langridge
02/17/12
Elaine, 'Jesus with skin on.' Lovely that her life is still reminding you of her love for Jesus. Thanks for sharing a bit of your story and hers.
Leola Ogle
02/18/12
Everyone should be blessed to have a mom like Elaine. She was truly living a life of ministry to others. Good job and thanks for sharing this tender story. God bless!
Terry Lee
02/18/12
Wonderful, inspiring story, leaving my heart glowing with warmth.
Allison Egley 
02/19/12
Oh, I love this! I especially love the letter to the tooth fairy. :)
Dannie Hawley 
02/19/12
I love this story! You did a really nice job of keeping the reader's interest. I would like to read the book Elaine COULD have written from those times on the bus. Any possibility in your writing future? Thanks for sharing this timely message with us.
Donna Wilcher
02/20/12
Touching story, heartfelt and memorable! Loved it!
Cynthia Carter
02/20/12
This was wonderful. I thought about "I Am" being God's name. So the title was a perfect fit.
Danielle King 
02/20/12
What a lovely tribute to your mom. She certainly showed her deep faith in loving deeds. And the whole town came to her funeral? How sad to lose her so young; you must miss her loads.
Danielle King 
02/24/12
Congratulations on placing 7th in level 3 Shann. And thank you for always letting others know when they place too. I'd never know if it wasn't for you. x
Susan Allen
02/27/12
Shann--What a wonderful life you had with your mom--a beautiful woman. You are a great and interesting writer. I want to follow more of your writings. Thank you for your critique that you gave me. I appreciated that.