The Gift of Lillian

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 9:1  

At 16 years old and as an only child, I lost my Mother to cancer. I was devastated. I spent from 16 to 28 years of age being angry at my mom leaving me alone. She was not there for the important talks that only mothers and daughters can have. When I really needed her, she was silent.

As the years passed, I married and we joined a local spirit filled Episcopal church. After a few weeks of attending this church, three women in their 50’s befriended me. They embraced me as a mom would, and one in particular, Lillian, a mother of three took me under her wing. She was a woman of nurturing warmth, deep faith, and love for the Lord. As time passed, she asked me to lunch and we talked and talked. I found out that she had lost a child in a car accident. Lillian became a source of strength for me. I looked forward to our times together and it seemed as if God had sent me a replacement mom. We prayed for my anger and for healing from the bad memories of my youth.

Our friendship and love for one another grew. Even though we both moved away from the small Florida town, we stayed close. It was comforting to know that she was always there. We shared calls, photos of family, and prayers. She shared her love of the Lord and showed me that even in tough times, you can get through it with Him. The Lord sent Lillian to me as one of his angels.

I believe in God's perfect timing. It was time for my healing, after walking in deep valleys. God showed me his marvelous works through Lillian. I miss her every day and can still see her beautiful and loving smile. I sense her spirit and feel the Holy Spirit daily … a gift from both.

Thank you, Lord, for Lillian. Thank you for the gift of her spirit, friendship, and presence in my life. She loved me unconditionally and listened to all of my hurts of the past. She provided a sense of humor and compassion in my life and her strength, which grew from her past hurts and constant prayer, helped my growth in the Lord. I thank God for allowing Lillian into my life. She showed me the way for God's spirit to enter my life and flourish. He now lives in me. Lord, help me to share you with those I meet, just as Lillian shared you with me. Amen.