This is my mom. And just like your mom, there is no one else in the world like her. She's extremely unique and certainly one of a kind. And yet, despite all of our petty differences, she is truly a wonderful woman whom I love and respect very much.
As many of you know, my mom has been through such a painful journey these last two and a half years with the sudden death of my dad. And no matter how close I am to her and her pain, I cannot even begin to imagine what it must be like to be alone after all these years. In fact, sometimes I don't know what's more difficult for me - dealing with the loss of my dad or now watching my mom strive to make sense of her life and courageously learning how to move forward by herself. It's so sad and it breaks my heart...
This past Sunday I publicly recognized her at The Orchard in our weekend services and gave our church community the opportunity to show her their love and support. (In case you don't know, my dad was the pastor of the church I now pastor for almost 30 years...)
Let me tell you... It was an awesome moment when the crowd stood to their feet and clapped and clapped and clapped. You could feel the love and support being poured out to her by everyone in the room - including those who never even had the privilege of personally knowing my dad.
The post is a little late, but I want to say to my mom:
Happy Mother's Day Mom. And even though you don't read my blog (I see a Mac in your future btw...), I want you to know how proud of you I am and how grateful I am to have you as my mom. Your strength and courage inspire me and so many others. Undoubtedly, God's hand is on your life. I love you.
that's just awesome Scott, it's really cool that you did that and that people responded the way they did.
Posted by: Larry Boatright | May 15, 2007 at 07:43 PM
Scott - Thanks for sharing. Awesome story of your mother and Orchard.
Posted by: Scott Bell | May 15, 2007 at 09:01 PM
I, too, have seen how painful a journey it has been for your mom without your dad. But, she has a lot more courage and strength than she may realize. Pam and I have been blessed countless times in the time that we have known your folks. You can be proud knowing that the Hodges shared their lives, their home, their faith, and so much more with you and Kelly.
Posted by: Doug | May 16, 2007 at 10:02 AM
It was probably my favorite part of the service this past sunday. As someone who grew up in a church with a lot of "long timers", I have a real soft spot for them and their faithfullness.
I also don't think enough credit goes to the wife of a pastor. "Behind every good man" really is appropriate.
Posted by: Doug R. | May 16, 2007 at 10:32 AM