Mom is 89 years old and battled bipolar all her life. It has truly been a battle. Yet, the one thing true and certain, God has been her fortress and her strength. She has stood on faith throughout the years and finds Him as her greatest treasure. She was the one who pointed me to Him.
As a Christian, I have found through the years how much He has taught me to trust Him in every storm of my own life. Yet, although I have learned to trust His plan in my life, knowing that every tear brings with it a blessing; I find that hard when I look at my children or my mom. Despite knowing God’s plan is perfect, I grieve when I see them suffer. However, I know for certain God’s love for them only allows what is ultimately for their blessing as well. He draws us closer to Him in the storms of life.
Mom has been very sick recently. All made worse with the coronavirus shutdown, leading to loneliness and sorrow. Despite that I must stand still and trust God in His plan for her. Love you, Mom. This is the poem I wrote for her on Mother’s Day.
To Mom: It Seems Like Yesterday
It seems like only Yesterday
You watched over us as we did play
The time has flown throughout the years
With times of laughter and of tears
At times I did not understand
Yet, it has been as God planned
You always taught me to say
“He knows what’s best, so let us pray”
It was your faith that stood so strong
Teaching me In Christ I do belong
To lean on Him through each dark day
And never, ever fail to pray
Or raise our voices loud to sing
For He is Lord and He is King
At times, the laughter filled our home
And followed us wherever we roamed
There were the times of happiness
Where joy and peace brought their rest
Then, through the years as Mom and friend
You have always been there to the end
You picked me up each time I fell
And taught me in God’s Grace to dwell.
No matter what when I did stray
You would warn me harsh, but you did stay.
Right by my side to help me stand
Obedience to each command
I learned through trials I did face
While you stood near to show me grace
Your love for me unparalleled
To those I desired which were dispelled
Into the bleakest, darkest night
So far from joy, so far from sight
And when my heart broke with despair
You were the one, you were there
To pick me up, to hear my cries
And then to dry my tear stained eyes
You were there whenever I called
You came so quick and never stalled
To help me raise my children dear
You were here and always near
Throughout the years I watched your pain
Yet through it all, your faith remain!
Therefore, I want to scream unfair
You confused weak, with frightened stare
“Why, dear Lord, must Mom face this
After a life devoid of bliss
Dear God, I do not know today
The words of which I should pray
So, I must fall before thy throne
And ask that she not feel alone
That you may wrap her in your arms
Protecting her through all life’s harms
I have learned, my Lord that through the pains
The sorrows and torrential rains
You draw us nearer to your side
That in Your love we may abide
And though I may not understand
Upon Your Grace, my faith doth stand
I know that Mom is in Your Will
So, on that truth I will stand still.
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2020
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.