I’d like to share a story about a very special woman of God with you. This woman is a mother, a grandmother, a widow, and to all she meets – an overseer.
This special woman is known to so many as “everyone’s mother” because her goal for so many years has been to take care of a very special person and that person is a child.
Married at a very young age, the individual I am referring to soon realized that she was a part of an abusive relationship and needed to remove herself from that situation, so she did. She did what so many people would not do today, she became a domestic worker, and at a time when racism was “the un-spoken law.” While working her various jobs, she was disrespected, but with the Lord as her guide, she persevered. She was called out her name by those around her. but she knew that the only name that really mattered to her was the name given to her by our Lord. She was content in knowing that her special name was “a child of God.”
As a child of God, she knew that she never wanted anyone to feel that if they found themselves in an environment where they felt unloved, as long as she was present, love would be there!
This woman of God has never received a formal education, but has always been determined to live life to the fullest. Many years after her first marriage, God sent her her soul-mate and together they grew spiritually and in children count. With the love and support of her husband, she learned to read, but this did not occur until her oldest child began the first grade. She wanted her children to know that although there were some things in her life that may have slowed her down, there was nothing in life would keep her from succeeding.
Many years later she became a widow. She worked several factory jobs to take care of her children, but later began working for a local department store; a position she maintained for several years. Through it all, she maintained a close family unit. One of her son’s was quoted as saying, “we were poor and never knew it. Mamma, made sure that she provided what we needed and every now and then would give us what we wanted. She made sure her children, as well as other children in neighborhood, always had hot meals, a warm smile and LOVE.”
The biological mother to seven children, she has been faced with not only the loss of her husband, but one of her children has joined her husband in heaven. When questioned how she handles this, she lovingly comments, “Other mothers have lost their children, why not me? God knows what He is doing!”
She is not ashamed of letting her light shine for others and continues to be that nurturing hand to any child she meets.
This woman of God, who is a resident of Canton, Miss., was recently named the Mother of the Year by the Madison County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
When her name, Emma Smith Barnes, was called as the honoree of the day, this woman of God raised her hands in praise and then laid her head on the table in front of her and cried tears of joy.
One of her daughters embraced her and as Barnes returned the love, the room became quiet. That moment of silence was filled with love and reflection for all of the mothers present, those not in attendance and the many mothers who have gone on to a better home.
Barnes was recognized for being a homemaker, peacekeeper, warrior and any other title that a loving mother possesses.
One of her sons shared with me, “My momma has never asked to be recognized for anything that she has done for her family, but for her to be recognized for the doing what comes naturally, is God’s goodness at work. For years so many years she had to take care of so many and never asked for anything in return. Now, God has allowed this organization to share her life with others and because of her story, a young mother can know that with God’s help, you can see your way through. If you let God lead you, you can make a difference for so many. Because she has a story to tell, God is pleased.”
Well, you know that I could not let those words be shared with me without sharing them with you.
As we observe Mother’s Day, let us remember all what our mothers have done to see us through. Let us share the love and the gifts that God has given each of us through our mothers, biological or not.
Don’t let that love stop there. Make sure that as you celebrate this special day, you also remember that it is the Lord’s Day and you should share your love for Him with others as well.
If you will, please recall the verse that I often find myself sharing with you – Isaiah 52:7 (NIV), which reads: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God reigns!”
As Christians, we should never hesitate to share God’s love. We should all proudly exclaim the goodness that He bestows upon us regardless of our parental status.
The Mississippi Link, a messenger for news in and around the state of Mississippi, would like to not only share your news but all who would like to tell others about the Lord’s goodness and about their places of worship and even those religious institutions that are visited.
If you would like to share the events that are taking place in your congregation, religious organization or place of worship, send your information to the address below:
Daphne M. Higgins, religion editor at religion@mississippilink.com. You may fax 601 896-0091 or mail your information to The Mississippi Link at 2659 Livingston Road, Jackson, MS 39213.
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