She's been more than just merely my husband's Mother. She's been a Mother to me, a loving grandmother,a confidant , a friend, a prayer warrior, my praise partner, a shoulder to cry on, a gentle word when my heart has been broken, a stern word when she had a point she really wanted me to apply to my life and listen. She's simply amazing.
But what really has inspired me about her, is her ability to thank God for where he has brought her from and always PRAISE him for forgiving her from what she once was. When she talks about how she thanks God for his forgiveness, she's so full of thankfulness and passion that it's like it was merely yesterday. She has made the day the LORD truly saved her and brought her through as a ongoing celebration. It's never been overlooked or forgotten. She made me realize to never forget where the Lord brought me, what I once was and what I am today. She made that day to me something to always celebrate and to think about often. It was truly a life saving day, my direction was changed. All the 20 years I have been a part of her family she has witnessed to me how the Lord brought her through, I take that day of salvation as a day of remembrance, as special as holiday that we all look forward to, it's a date to mark and moment to cherish. FORGIVENESS, SALVATION, FREEDOM. I thank you Lord. I thank you Vicki Lynn for your testimony and gratefulness for GOD'S saving grace.
He's brought my sweet mother-in-law, through so many storms of life. I truly believe that her constant praise for his saving grace has got her through so many heartaches, losses, and most recent illness in life. Just think about it, if he could give life forever and save her soul, what would ever make her doubt that he could heal and repair anything else that would come her way. Her testimony! A true impact on my life forever!
When asked to write about a person who inspired my Christian walk, for me that is a given, it would have to be my Mother, Leola Pratt Crider.
ReplyDeleteShe was an amazing woman. She was the Mother of 11; yes you read correctly, 11! I was number 9 in the lineup, she would sing engine, engine number 9 ♫ to me.
She handled her home with such ease; her laundry was always done, down to ironing our sheets! The house kept clean and something delish was always served at meal times. She could sing like an angel she could play the piano and she was the one that taught my brothers how to play the guitar. She could do the Texas two-step with the best of them! She looked amazing in everything she put on; from her PJ’s to her Sunday best. She loved her high heels, which were worn well into her seventies. When shopping, at the fragrance counter she could spray different bottles of cologne and smell wonderful! Don’t know of many who can do that. I have the distinct honor and privilege of being named after her ♥
One of my favorite memories, listening to stories of her childhood days, I remember still sitting around the table hanging on every word. She too was from a big family; a home full of love and prayer, at a time when our church was in its infancy. Times were hard, Grandfather away in Revival’s, Grandmother keeping the home going until his return, but she was taught to always trust in the Lord.
Her greatest gifts to me, was her love for the Lord and her amazing prayer life. As a Pastor’s wife, she had a love for God’s people, and quite frequently she would have sister’s come and ask to speak with her in private. She was at her best at those moments, she was all too aware of their trials, you see Mother had been through so much in her life and her basket was full of gifts she was ready and willing to share. It was in those private talks that her life struggles became a road map of Gods amazing love and timely provisions.
She is gone now and longed for every day since April 17, 2004. I cannot see or touch her physically, but I hear her in the giggles of my grandchildren, when I walk by a mirror and glance, I see my Mother’s sweet face living on in me. She is and will always be my greatest inspiration, she knew without a doubt because of her trust in Jesus she would live again. Heaven is sweeter for me knowing she is there. By the Help of the Lord, I plan to thank him face to face for allowing her to be my Mother.
Beautiful words, inspiring to read!!! She truly was a super woman!
Delete