He IS Real!
Mother’s Day…
It’s a wonderful time to celebrate the gift of motherhood–in its many forms.
But it can also be difficult, for those who long to be a mother, have lost a mother or a child, or for her whose child is wayward. Indeed, this day in mid-May can stir pain. Sadness.
My heart understands. Some time ago, Mother’s Day was my least favorite day–that is, until I found comfort in the One who whispered–
“Remember My promise–to give peace for despair, removing your sackcloth and clothing you in joy” (Psalm 30:11–paraphrase)?
Yes.
That’s because Jesus was real to me. He’d been my Savior for many years by the time I traveled through that barren land. Sometimes…
I just needed a reminder.
Furthermore, I was blessed with an earthly momma who instilled within me the difference a relationship with the Lord made, leading by example.
And she, too, had been encouraged by another–a woman who shined the light and love of Jesus in her life when Momma was a girl.
This woman–Doris Heikkinen–was Mom’s aunt, and she became my Godmother. Married to my maternal grandma’s brother John, Auntie Dorie loved Jesus, and she shared this truth with everyone she knew.
Like a mother to me and many…
Auntie Dorie was a musician, a songwriter, and a poet. Though she graduated to heaven in 2016, she left us with her words, still rich in meaning.
I came across this poem tucked inside my Bible. Perhaps this will encourage you as it’s encouraged–yes, guided–me!
“Is He Real?”
~~Doris Heikkinen~~
Is my Jesus real to you?
Little One, so full of love
Praying to the Lord above,
Can you feel His tender care?
Happy that He’s always there?
Little Child, please tell me true–
Is He really real to you?
Is my Master real to you?
Youngster leaving childhood days,
Soon adopting teenage ways,
Looking for a purpose sure,
Wanting faith that will endure.
O, young Christian, tell me true,
Has the Master mastered you?
Is my Teacher real to you
Student, with your probing mind,
Did you truest wisdom find?
Midst the wealth of knowledge see
Word Incarnate, knowing thee?
Is His Word your textbook true?
Is my Teacher teaching you?
Is my Father real to you?
Parent, in the midst of life,
Busy days of job and strife,
Ruling well your children small
Sharing every needy call?
Parent, as you weary stand
Does your Father hold your hand?
Is my Shepherd real to you
Oldest sheep with graying head
Shows the long trail you have led,
Many times you’ve felt His hand
Guiding over barren land.
As your journey soon is through–
Yes, praise God, He shepherds you.
It’s true.
Knowing Jesus makes all the difference in all life’s seasons. I am grateful for my dear momma and my precious Godmother, not to mention many other godly women who’ve pointed me to Jesus over many, many years.
So, I ask you, dear friends…
Is my Savior real to you?
“He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord” (Psalm 113:9 ESV)!
Kind Father, I pray that all who read these words–especially Auntie Dorie’s poem, penned many years ago–will come to know You as their Savior. You make all the difference! Yes, YOU are real!
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Friends, the best way to know Jesus better is to… pray! Yes, we need to listen to and talk with Him!
To help you grow and better know He is real, I’m offering a giveaway.
Please leave a comment here telling me about a godly influence in your life, a hardship that Jesus helped see you through, or something else.
On May 27, I’ll draw one name from those who participate and ship Penny Cooke’s book Pursuing Prayer to your door (U.S. residents only, please).
The Conversation
Her name was Anne Reid, standing no more than 4’10”, and I might be generous at that. When I was going through a very painful season with a teenage son, Anne would grab both my arms and command me not to give up. Then she would pray with me. Though I only knew her when we interacted at church, she felt like a spiritual mom to me. At her memorial, our pastor shared about the stuffed lamb he held. He explained it was from Anne’s car. The lamb was always in her car as a reminder that the Lamb of God was with her wherever she went. Thus, began my lamb collection. I have more than one. They’re in my car and in our home. I miss Anne, but I look forward to enjoying her in eternity.
Oh, Karen! How beautiful. How poignant! Anne sounds like an amazing godly influence! And I LOVE the lamb collection! How true! Thank you for sharing! Blessings!
I have always been blessed by your writings. I know Jesus is real. Right now He is seeing me through the loss of my husband of 52 years. I know he is rejoicing in heaven with our Lord. I miss him terribly but I know the Lord will see me through this very tough time.
God bless you and encourage you in your walk with Him. Keep writing!
Oh, Kitty… how difficult. The bitter and the sweet of life! But Jesus is near… always! And I’m so thankful we have the hope of heaven, to one day be reunited with our loved ones who’ve gone before. Bless you. Saying a prayer for you right now! And thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! Jesus IS real!
Dear Maureen,
How beautiful to see the picture of you and your sweet mother! Though I have not seen either of you since the early 1980’s with life taking me to the east coast, your mom especially has been dear to my heart and part of my testimony. She was the first to demonstrate how a relationship with Jesus actually works by sharing her own journey with my cousin and I as our High School SS teacher. She encouraged me weekly with scripture and showed me the love of Christ. Decades later I was comforted indirectly by your parents as I sat in a waiting area, my 91 yr old dad in surgery. On the wall was a picture, given by Dr Joe and Mary Miller. It was of a surgeon praying over his patient before surgery. Not only was it a reminder of my dear teacher but of the Ultimate Healer, Comforter, Savior, Counselor, Friend.
Forever grateful,
Sue Heise Walton
Oh, Sue… this means the world. I will share this with mom and dad. What a poignant testimony. I know mom loved you so so much… thank you for sharing. I am very grateful and blessed by your words.