Yesterday I read the following which forcibly reminded me how dearly I love my mother and how much I appreciate her:
“The influence of your mother will bless you throughout life. . . . Long years ago, Elder Frank Croft was serving in the state of Alabama. While preaching to the people, he was forcefully abducted by a vicious gang, to be whipped and lashed across his bare back. Elder Croft was ordered to remove his coat and shirt before he was tied to a tree. As he did so, a letter he had recently received from his mother fell to the ground. The vile leader of the gang picked up the letter. Elder Croft closed his eyes and uttered a silent prayer. The attacker read the letter from Elder Croft’s mother. From a copy of that letter, I quote:
‘My beloved son, . . . remember the words of the Savior when He said, . . . “Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my name’s sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for you will have your reward in Heaven for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Also remember the Savior upon the cross suffering from the sins of the world when He had uttered these immortal words, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Surely, my boy, they who are mistreating you . . . know not what they do or they would not do it. Sometime, somewhere, they will understand and then they will regret their action, and they will honor you for the glorious work you are doing. So be patient, my son; love those who mistreat you and say all manner of evil against you and the Lord will bless you and magnify you. . . . Remember also, my son, that day and night, your mother is praying for you.’
“Elder Croft watched the hateful man as he studied the letter. He would read a line or two, then sit and ponder. He arose to approach his captive. The man said: ‘Feller, you must have a wonderful mother. You see, I once had one, too.’ Then, addressing the mob, he said: ‘Men, after reading this Mormon’s mother’s letter, I just can’t go ahead with the job. Maybe we had better let him go.’ Elder Croft was released without harm (see Arthur M. Richardson, The Life and Ministry of John Morgan [1968], 267-68).”
There have been times in my life when the presence or words of my mother have literally changed the course of my actions. My childhood was not the most ideal. My biological father was unable to hold a job for longer than six months, consequently we moved, a lot. I have recollections of twenty-four elementary schools, three junior highs and blessedly, one high school. My mother, throughout all these years, was unfailing in her love and support of her children. She sacrificed for us, cried for us and loved us as every mother was put on earth to do. She lived an incredibly difficult life, and now in the twilight years of her life, she suffers from injuries gained long ago.
My mother is also, and has long been, a spiritual giant. She has been my moral compass and received inspiration when I was too angry or too upset to listen. She has supported me, prayed for me, loved me and been my greatest fan for as long as I can remember. I am the woman I am today because of the woman that my mother is . . . I would wish for every one on this earth, to have a mother as dear as mine. Thanks, Mom. You served your God well in the raising of your children and surely you will hear upon your return, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” The sweetest words any Christian could ever hope to hear.
My mother has her own website www.rockymtstraighttalk.com and is a wonderful columnist. Until recently she had a weekly column in a newspaper, but she’s too conservative for them so they gave her the boot. (The nerve of them!) Anyway, I now post all her columns on her website so that the myriad of fans she has gained around the world have access to her column. She rocks!