3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
— Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
— Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
I’ve been in church most of my life and heard more sermons than I can count but nothing spoke the Word of God clearer to my soul than the life I saw my mother live.
In her near 87 years on this Earth I don’t know that I’ve ever heard her pound people with scripture, but I’ve seen her pour the Truth of His Word into many lives with her actions and her unrelenting love.
Mavis Bishop, my precious mother, finally found what she was searching for on the morning of Thursday, May 9, when she went to be with her Lord and savior. Her life was not always an easy one, but she was a whole lot more interested in what was troubling you than sharing the hurts she held inside.
I am an only child but I have more “brothers and sisters” than I can count. She was a mother to many, as well as an aunt, a sister, a grandmother, and friend to others. She was what you needed her to be, when you needed her to be it.
She was blood-related to few but love-related to many. She was drawn to the hurting, the misunderstood, the lowly, and those just needing somebody to care.
She had a special place in her heart for mischievous little boys (anyone who knows me doesn’t have to wonder how that got started), and for young girls, young ladies, and women who needed to be understood, loved, encouraged, and believed in.
She loved to sew and in the latter stages of her life — when her mind and hands would still allow her to — she made pillow cases for children and adults alike and freely gave them away. That legacy of love will most assuredly outlive her.
I’ve learned much from my mother, but the verses above speak the loudest. Be interested in the well-being of others above yourself, and allow the light of God-given love to shine bright.
Austin Bishop is an ordained Assemblies of God minister. Those wishing to receive his daily devotional/Bible study notes may sign up by texting 601-938-2471 and asking to be added to either the morning or afternoon list.
