My dad died when I was 1 year old so I was raised by my mom. Growing up, I was always afraid that my mom would die; I wouldn’t have any parent with me here on earth; and I would go live with my aunt and uncle. I loved my aunt and uncle, but the thought of losing my mom terrified me. I suppose my fear got better as an adult, but in many ways, my fear just changed. I no longer needed my mom for food, shelter or clothing, but I needed her wisdom, strength, encouragement and spiritual guidance.
In August of 1985, the night before I left for college, my mom showed me how to do laundry and gave me a box of supplies (towels, soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, deodorant…all the things an 18-year-old boy would never think of). The next day I was set to drive from Williston, N.D., to Fargo. I was so scared. I had never driven 100 miles, let alone 400. I was a very independent kid, however, and wouldn’t ask someone for help or admit my anxiety.
The next morning when it was time to leave I gave my mom a hug goodbye. She said, “I put something in your glove box for you.” I thanked her for everything, jumped into my 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit and drove 120 miles to Minot before stopping. After stopping, I opened the glove box. I had done my best to stay strong. In my glove box was $100 bill to pay for gas and food along the way and a note telling me how proud she was of me and she would be praying for me. I was getting pretty emotional and then I saw the third item she put in my glove box. It was an index card that said, “In case of emergency call Rosie Carle 701-572-5651.”
That put me over the edge. I shook and sobbed. I couldn’t believe I was doing this. Would I fail? I kept that index card in that car until I sold the vehicle 6 years later.
Three years ago my mom passed away. I still miss her like crazy. But I’m so thankful she taught me about Jesus Christ and that he came so I could have a relationship with him. And that as much as she loved me, Jesus loved me infinitely more. And he would be a friend who would stick with me through every emergency and every life situation. He would never leave me or forsake me. That was a promise that neither my mother, father or anyone else could make.
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Neither you nor I know what 2019 will hold for us. Jesus was very honest when he told us, “in this world you will have trials.” And he added, “but take heart, I have overcome the world!” The trials of this world did not defeat Jesus, nor do they have to defeat us if we are walking with him. Perhaps 2019 is the year you decide to walk close to Jesus; you are tired of living life your way and are ready to discover his way. You’ve been let down in ways you never imagined. You’ve experienced difficulties. You will never regret walking close to Jesus.
God bless you. See you next Sunday!
