So That’s What a Flesh and Blood Hero of the Faith Looks Like
We met at the movies in December 1985. A small-framed, blond woman in her late 40’s. I started dating her first-born son, just weeks earlier. He couldn’t wait for us to meet.
Kind of unusual to double date with your boyfriend’s Mom in the early days of a relationship. Knowing what I know now, it makes all the sense in the world. There wasn’t anything more important to my new love interest than for the two potentially, most important woman in his life to meet. A litmus test; although I don’t think he consciously planned it to be.
We met at the cozy downtown theatre with just one screen. The blockbuster movie Rocky IV had come out that fall. It was terrific; giving his Mom and I plenty to talk about as we chattered back and forth afterwards about the characters, plot and battles between good and evil!
My hubby to be had nothing to worry about.
We were friends from the first minute we met and have remained so in the 37 years since. She’s always been warm and accepting. Never the dreaded “mother-in-law” that interferes or criticizes but the one that has made me feel from the very beginning that she's on my side. Never treated me like an “in-law” but always like a daughter.
She’s been there for every one of our children’s births. Helped with every birthday party and cheered at every sporting event. Lent a hand in more of our crazy building projects than we could count. And when none of us felt the least bit of enthusiasm as we battled another new house painting project, she would show up in her spattered clothes with a crockpot, big smile and an, “Isn't this fun!” exclamation, lifting our spirits. And she meant it.
Even though she’s seen her share of trials; single parenting, scraping to make ends meet, breast cancer and grief, she always speaks words of hope and faith. When she’s had every right to complain, I don’t know if the times I heard her do it, could fill the fingers of one hand.
Way back when we met at Rocky IV what bound us the most was talking about the parallels to our faith. A few years later she asked me to be one of the two bridesmaids to stand up with her at her wedding.
In the next few days, my precious friend is turning 80!
I don’t know what my life would have been like without her.
She’s a beacon. A flesh and blood hero of the faith immersed in life with God. Ready to share about her Lord every chance she gets.
But it’s not the words that make me think of her as a hero. It’s the warm greeting when she hostesses at Jackie’s Place. It’s the family dinner with 3 meats, 6 sides and 4 pies she beamingly shares. It’s the hugs and kisses from Grandma. It’s the glowing smile and “God is so good!” that comes from her lips just months after saying goodbye to the love her life.
This woman teaches us all how to live. If I could be anything like her when my life is done, nothing would make me happier.
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Who has been a flesh and blood hero of the faith to you?
~ Lori