Tender Hands

I cannot begin to express how much I love my Mom.

Mom, I love you.

Her birthday is coming up, and this post is devoted to her - to her love, her faithfulness, her never failing devotion to her children. This past year, when my father was no where to be found, she was always there. When some of my friends and my sister Taylor's turned away in selfishness, my Mom was an unfailing friend. She put everything on the back-burner to make sure Tay and I got through this time. She did it with such empathy, such patience, such gentleness. Hers were the tender hands which made this time bearable! From my earliest memory, to just now eating dinner with her - her warm and soft way has always nurtured my spirit in a way nothing else has.

I will never be able to understand how she does it all. She truly is the most perfect woman I have ever met in my life. Even with all the hurt, and all the suffering, God has seen fit for her to endure. She knows that God has seen fit - and that's all she needs. She embraces the suffering, because it has drawn her ever closer to her children, and to her God.

Yes, people have gossiped about her through this situation with my Dad. I've heard it myself. Yes, people have torn her down. But still, she keeps a level head, and focuses on making sure Tay and I are doing alright. We are her life - she is ours.

I have been exceedingly blessed . . . Although my father has hurt me deeply, I have a mother whose love is deeper still, than any hurt anyone could inflict. Even when my dad lived under the same roof as us, she always honored and respected him. There was not one time, ever, that I can remember her being disrespectful - no matter how deep the hurt. And the hurt was very, very deep. She truly has an amazing gift to endure.

I have never known a sweeter person. No matter WHAT wretched sin I've done . . . . She forgives me with open arms. She has never been harsh or angry with me . . . ever. But despite these things being said about her, she continued in faithfulness. She didn't fight for her reputation, when people from our church came to her with the legalistic "divorce is NEVER allowed" mindset. She knows that time will eventually bring out the truth. She lives her life to please God rather than men.

Another thing that I have truly treasured about my Mom's heart, is her love for home . . . and everything to do with the home. Her southern hospitality manners are nonetheless prevalent, even with our things in boxes and bubble-wrapped. Though life has turned upside down for us, she still loves to cater to people, and enjoy them. She loves keeping the place in order and cooking amazing!! meals. She loves tea parties and dresses and fires in the fireplace. She truly has a servants heart. Whenever anyone walks into my mother's home, they sense peace, and they KNOW they are welcomed. Any of our friends will surely tell you - That Cindy Lee can light up any event. =)

Last month was my sisters 13th birthday party. Mom went above and beyond . . . and made a special dinner for Taylor. Several friends came, and Mom and I had a blast creating a seven course meal for the little girls. Each was unique and special, and Mom loved creating each one. Serving truly brings her joy. And it brings me joy to serve alongside of her! I pray that when I'm a Mom, that I will have the skills, but also the joy that comes with them. That I will have the doors-open policy that she does, and that I will truly have a love for my husband, children, and my home. Just as she has modeled for me!

She is a role model for me in so many ways. My hero, more than anyone else. Without her love, and guidance in the Lord, I don't know where I'd be. ❤

~Lauren Lee

Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly. ~Ambrose Bierce

An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy. ~Spanish Proverb

If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? ~Milton Berle

The mother's heart is the child's school-room. ~Henry Ward Beecher