Brave
This is my mom. She’s an amazing woman. She’s smart, beautiful, wise, and witty. You can discover that about her right away. But there’s an unexpected quality about her that doesn’t show through in a first meeting or even a second. You have to know her well to see it clearly, and since you may not get the chance to meet her in real life, I’ll fill you in. She’s brave.I’m not talking about the kind of brave that parachutes out of airplanes or even stomps the occasional uninvited bug in the house. (Trust me–you don’t want to be on the phone with her if she spots a bug–she screams like her life in is danger.) I’m talking about the kind of brave it takes to face tough challenges & overcome. The first time I began to see this side of her materialize was when she decided to go to nursing school when I was in high school. She had always been a stay-at-home mom, but she knew, in order for her kids to go to college, there would need to be a second income. I remember well the challenge it was for her to go back to school. She was the oldest in her classes. We each had to take turns quizzing her for her upcoming tests & I learned more medical terminology than I ever cared to know. We had to ban her from discussing her adventures in clinicals at the dinner table in order to save our weak stomachs. It was a huge obstacle for her. But she did it. And she graduated as valedictorian of her class.She’s been brave in lots of other ways, too. Like accepting the reality of my dad having terminal cancer. And facing the fact that she may have to live without him someday. (You may have read about our story here.)And recently she has amazed me again by overcoming another fear. It was her fear of computers. I know it may sound silly. It wasn’t like the fear of something dangerous or life-threatening. It was the fear of something new. The fear of something you don’t understand. She wasn’t interested in learning anything about them because, deep down, I think she was afraid she just wouldn’t get it. But then my dad talked her into doing something brave. They bought each other an iPad just before Christmas. Within days, my brother had given them both a crash course & {wonder of wonders!}, she not only began to be able to use it, but she actually started a blog! And then, because she liked that idea so much, she started a second one! The first one is written especially for pastor’s wives or other women who serve in a ministry, but the information she shares can be helpful to all Christian women. It’s called Counsels of the Heart, and it may be of help to you.And the second one is perfect for teen girls. She’s calling it Letters to Abigail, and she’s writing it to my oldest daughter, but really for all 6 of her granddaughters as they grow & mature. It’s really good information written from her wealth of experience and knowledge.I’m sharing these with you because I know many of you will benefit from her writing. I hope you’ll follow her & share them with your friends as well.And I hope her bravery is an inspiration to you, too.The vision of my mother in an Apple store still makes me want to laugh a little. But, really it’s the perfect picture of brave. It’s right up there with those people who climb Everest. Sort of. What is that something you’re scared to face? Let 2012 be the year you’re going to be brave.
NanaDiana
January 2, 2012 @ 6:04 pm
Julie~ You do know that I am a pastor's wife, right? shhhhh… I don't fit the stereotype (sadly) I like strong, brave women so I will pop over and check her blog(s) out- xo Diana
NanaDiana
January 2, 2012 @ 6:08 pm
Hey, Julie- Pop over and tell your Mom how to get the dreaded word verification off on her comment section!;>) xo Diana
marty (A Stroll Thru Life)
January 2, 2012 @ 8:03 pm
Such a wonderful post. Such a lovely way to honor and introduce your mom. She indeed sounds like one very brave and special person. Hugs, Marty
Deniece Carmean
January 2, 2012 @ 10:11 pm
I think it is great. I am not the greatest at computers but have always had to work on them. But I have a few people in my family who can't figure out how to send an e-mail so I can relate. I love the challenge to do something Brave this year. Good Luck to your mom.
Mrs.B
January 2, 2012 @ 10:57 pm
That's awesome!
Tyla
January 2, 2012 @ 11:22 pm
How exciting! I keep telling my mother she would enjoy having a computer but she won't give in…still set in her ways a bit at 78. 🙂 Much luck to your mom.
Lisa @ Shine Your Light
January 3, 2012 @ 12:10 am
What a lovely post about your mom! She sounds like a wonderful lady!
I am a 40 year old nursing student and can totally relate to her going back to school as an "older" student! My kids are learning some of the same material as me – pretty funny! I need a little bravery to finish get through this…thanks for the encouragement!
Lorilee
January 3, 2012 @ 3:50 am
Your mom sounds wonderful. I am still trying to convince my MIL to just read blogs and learn to use pinterest! My husband got iPads for each of us too.
Blessings,
Lorilee
Irene
January 3, 2012 @ 1:56 pm
So wonderful for your mom and a great lesson to teach the younger generation. Will have to check out her sites.
Irene
January 3, 2012 @ 1:56 pm
So wonderful for your mom and a great lesson to teach the younger generation. Will have to check out her sites.
Barbara Bussey {The Treasured Home}
January 3, 2012 @ 4:21 pm
Great post, Julie! I never thought about my mother being brave, but she was certainly no wimp! Now that I think about it, anyone who grows up on a farm during the depression, raises 5 children, starts what turns out to be what is now almost a 50 year old family business, while my dad's still in the Air Force, ready to retire…has got to be brave. Both of them are now in heaven, so enjoy your mom each and every day!
Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust
January 4, 2012 @ 4:23 am
Thank you for this beautiful post, Julie. What a wonderful mother. I really believe that one good woman can change the world!
Warmly, Michelle
Karen
January 4, 2012 @ 7:14 am
Julie, your mom looks like a lovely lady and she is an inspiration. I admire her courage and I can relate in some ways (having to go back to uni after 20 years!). I will definitely pop over to her blogs and follow. God bless x
Meg
January 4, 2012 @ 1:02 pm
Dear Julie,
Your mom seems like a remarkable lady. I am new to your blog so I linked over to your story about your dad and his illness. I just lost my mom on New Year's Day to leukemia. Before she was diagnosed, she had a disease called MDS that meant years of treatments, doctors, transfusions, and worry. When we learned she had leukemia, we knew it was bad but were not prepared for how quickly it took her from us. She was diagnosed on December 14, hospitalized on December 27 (so we could share Christmas as a family) and died on January 1st. Our hearts are heavy and our minds ask why. My mom was remarkably brave and faced this terrifying disease with grace, courage and determination. I have been clinging to the belief that it was God's plan for her and I only hope I can discover God's plan for me now that she is gone. Cherish your mom and dad (as it's clear you do) every day. Life on earth is short.
Julie
January 4, 2012 @ 1:55 pm
@Meg
I can't begin to imagine how you must be feeling right now. I'm praying for you today.