"Sometimes being soft is strong," said the Rabbit.
These words speak to my heart as I think about Mother's Day. If you still have her here, hug your Mama well.
I can't help but think about one of my best friends, DeAnn, who joined Jesus last fall. She is having a heavenly reunion with her own mother... who was also named "Ina" ... this Mother's Day. Their joy is full, but the grief here is fresh and deep.
DeAnn, like my own Mama, didn't just mother her own children, she mothered anyone who needed a little extra dose of tender-loving care sprinkled with common sense. When a person was weary, DeAnn was the best of companions. Yes, she and my Mama were more alike than I ever realized until sitting down to write this post. 28 years of friendship was wonderful, but not long enough.
Mama and DeAnn were both great examples of "soft strength." When their children were faced with broken hearts, their hearts broke, too. Still, they would keep it together and remain calm and strong on the outside.
They knew that to love deeply would require opening themselves up to the joys and the sorrows of living. They loved deeply anyway. Their soft strength recognized weariness in their world and they would offer to share the load.
Then I think about Jesus, who exemplified soft being strong. By his stripes, we are healed.
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." -Hebrews 12:2
Today, I am grateful for soft strength.
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