My Mother

My Mother, was written by Jess Cannon Jr. and gave this as a Mother's Day devotion at his Church.  Jess wrote this article at their farm in Georgia.  Sunday in Jakin, GA. This is For Mother's Day (Etta Benita Reese Cannon - August 5, 1900 - November 29, 1942)

The last time I was here, I asked "What Is Today?" No one gave me an answer. Today I again will ask a question. "What Is Today?" All of us has a mother, right? So what is a Mother? Let me tell you about my Mother and as I do think about your Mother, my Mother's name was Etta. I thought that was a pretty name, even those of us that our Mother has gone on to meet the Lord, we still have our memory. I know that I do. We should be mindful and grateful to love and respect them always and appreciate the joys of life that their memory brings us that we hold dear. I can remember my Mother rocking me when I was a very small boy and singing songs that I still can hear in my quiet time. Words are hard to find at times what a good Mother I had. I missed the sacrificing, sharing, selflessness and the loving heart that was so tender, sweet and kind that strengthened our home. Her greatest joy was to give happiness and service to her family. She sacrificed her life to enrich ours. I am so happy for the legacy of my Mother who taught her family how to live and how to die; live in the Lord and die with dignity. My Mother taught me to pray on her lap and I have a poem I was asked to share with you this morning. So just let me do just that right now. It's called Gingham Alter.

Many years ago I knelt and bowed my head in prayer. Upon a checkered apron as my mother stroked my hair. I have knelt at many alters of wood, of gold, and stone. But that gingham covered alter is the sweetest I have known.

Let us pray,
Our father we thank you for your son this morning who gave us all he had to give, his message for eternal life on a cruel cross. We thank you this morning for all the Mothers that give the very best they have to give and on this day our father teach us to love as you have loved us. Be with us today, our father, as we bring our tithes and our offerings unto your storehouse, give us the wisdom to use it according to your will. In Christ name we pray. Amen.