Learning to Walk

Have you ever watched a father gently hold the small hands of a child as they tiptoed their way across a kitchen floor? The child is learning the motion, the rhythm of walking, even if she does not yet have the strength to do so on her own.

But there comes a day when the father does let go and watches anxiously as the child pauses to regain balance and warily takes her first step. And then another. And then another.

The father is never far, always ready and waiting to catch his little girl should she fall.

She may scrape her knees, but the father is there to wipe the blood and kiss away the pain. She may cry, but the father is there to hold her and rock her until she knows that she is safe. She may be afraid, but the father is there to whisper, "You're doing beautifully, my daughter. You're doing beautifully."

Of course, the father could never let go of her hands. He could never let her to fall, or to scrape her knees, or to cry, or to stumble.

But then, she never would have learned to walk. Or run. Or jump. Or dance.

And so the father takes away his hand.

Somedays, I feel as though I am that little girl, taking one awkward step after another, but always in the care of a good Father. Though He takes His hand away, I know that He is never far. He is watching me, cheering me on, delighting in the ways I am growing and learning and experiencing more of this life He has given me.

It is out of love, not neglect, that God lets go.

Maybe you've felt that way.

Maybe you feel that way now.

If it seems as though God has removed His hand, take heart. He is never far.

Now, trust him.

And take a step.

Faithful Servants

Yesterday was an important day.

Billy Graham celebrated his first day in Heaven.

Graham was (and now is more than ever) totally devoted to Jesus.

He gave his life to spreading the message that in Jesus – and only in Jesus – we can be forgiven of our sins and enjoy a reconciled relationship with the God of the universe.

The impact Graham had on our world is nearly impossible to overstate. Through his preaching and teaching, God changed the hearts and lives of countless men and women.

He wasn’t a perfect man, by any means. But, he was a man committed to his Savior. When I heard that he had passed away, could almost hear Jesus saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Our loss is his gain.

Yesterday was important for another reason, though.

It was a celebration of a different sort.

It was my Mama’s birthday.

Most of the world has never heard her name. She has never preached before millions or written a best-seller or met with international leaders.

But as I thought about the impact that Billy Graham has had on the world, I thought also about the impact she has had on my world.

I’ve watched her begin every day by spending time with Jesus – listening to Him and talking with Him as with her best friend.

I’ve watched her open her home to hundreds of people.

I’ve watched her prepare thousands of meals (and batches of cookies) for family and friends and neighbors and just about anyone else that God allowed to cross her path.

I’ve watched her go through cancer with gratitude for each day and then seek out other women going through that same hell, so she could encourage them and pray for them.

I’ve watched her give generously of herself and whatever else she had to those in need.

I’ve watched her humbly serve without complaining even when those of us she serves fail to serve her in return – or, often, to even thank her.

To have a heart like that.

She teaches me more about the love of Jesus every single day.

She makes me want to know Him more and love Him better every single day.

I’m less like Jesus than I want to be, but more like Him than I would have been without her.

Here’s the point.

There is more than one way to be a good and faithful servant of Jesus.

Billy Graham was faithful to the call God made on his life and, as a result, God used him powerfully. My Mama – Chrissy – has been faithful to the call of God on her life and, as a result, God has used her and is using her powerfully.

We need the Billys. We also need the Chrissys.

I, for one, am grateful for both.

You will be missed, Billy.

Happy Birthday, Mama.