When they cry out

“Why do dying people cry out for their mothers?” It is a question I have been asking myself since the Parkland Shooting. Something about the accounts of that day that has stayed with me, has been the students describing their injured class mates screaming out for their moms. I read an article written by a soldier who believed his life was over on the battle field, he says as his eyes closed and he prepared himself for eternity, the word “mother” escaped from his lips. He said the word did not pass through his mind before it escaped, it was as if, in that extreme moment of fear, the most primal part of him over took the rational part of him and he longed for the person who made him feel most loved, most safe. What a powerful position to hold in the life of another, that in their darkest moment they would long for your touch. What an opportunity for impact. I have cried everyday since the shooting—I don’t know how to change these terrible things that take place in our broken world—but I know what I will do with my influence, I know what I will do with my position of mother. I will tell my children every chance I get about the love of Jesus. When they are faced with moments of fear and uncertainty, I will pray that they cry out for Him, that they know although my love is good, it is limited, and in Him there is the ultimate power, the deepest comfort, and the strength to endure all things. I have heard it said several times that people are sick of “thoughts and prayers” and I agree—this world doesn’t need “positive thoughts” and prayers to an abstract distant god—this world needs a people who will cry out to the one true and living God. So every day, I will use my power as mother to point them to Him. In a world in which people can use their free will to hurt and abuse, I will show them Him. And I believe that in doing so, they will live their lives boldly, knowing that they are as He is in this world—strong, courageous, and overcomers.