When my mother was a teenager she used to fling open her upstairs
bedroom window while cleaning. She'd take breaks from her Saturday chores to
stand at the opening and sing to the world at the top of her voice. She knew
one day a talent scout would pass by and she would be discovered!
Well, no talent scout made it to her South Philly neighborhood.
But there's always been a song in my mom's heart. She couldn't keep it hidden
and she kept singing.
I don't remember that Mom had an especially great voice while I
grew up. But I do remember that when I stood by her in church, I could hear a
voice whose wellspring truly was the heart.
In the late 60s, Mom discovered Christian praise and worship
music. Well, everyone discovered it because Praise and Worship songs were new
to us all. That's when I began to hear her sing more around the house. And she
has ever since.
My mom is a very spiritual person. I mean, she is very much in
touch with the presence of her Creator within. When she sings songs of praise,
it is because of her relationship with Him. And the songs are not only her
prayers, they are an expression of who she is in Him.
I am sad now. Mom has been in the hospital since October 8. She
has not had the energy or motivation to lift her voice in song to the One she
loves. She has not had the uplifting joy of singing with His people as they
gather to worship. I believe this is one more thing - like depression over
losing Dad so recently - that is negatively impacting her ability to recover.
Oh, Mommy. I can't bring Daddy back. But if I were with you I
would sing praise songs and hymns to you everyday. And even though my voice is
not especially great either, I just wonder if hearing the music that has spoken
to you and that your heart has spoken for so many years, would help you
re-connect. Reconnect? Yes - to the reflection of Divine Love that lives
brightly in your heart, and which is your own song.
I love you, Mommy.
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| Elaine Foster - Thanksgiving 2012 |
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