John Killinger’s book Lost in Wonder, Love, and Praise includes the following affirmation:

I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who was born of the promise to a virgin named Mary.

I believe in the love Mary gave her Son, that caused her to follow Him in His ministry and stand by His cross as He died.

I believe in the love of all mothers, and its importance in the lives of the children they bear.

It is stronger than steel, softer than down, and more resilient than a green sapling on the hillside.

It closes wounds, melts disappointments, and enables the weakest child to stand tall and straight in the fields of adversity.

I believe that this love, even at its best, is only a shadow of the love of God, a dark reflection of all that we can expect of Him, both in this life and the next.

And I believe that one of the most beautiful sights in the world is a mother who lets this greater love flow through her to her child, blessing the world with the tenderness of her touch and the tears of her joy.

As I read (and re-read) this affirmation, I realize that every person who has had a “mother” role in my life has fit this description. I am grateful to God . . . and to each of them. I can only hope you have experienced a bit of that love in your life, as well. If you have—let her know!

I’m proud to be your pastor,

Jerry