Footsteps

The role our mothers play is seldom fully appreciated until we, too, are cast in that part and someone calls us, "Mama." People have often told us what a remarkable woman our mother is, "She is such an inspiration," they would say. Well, certainly, no one could fill her shoes, and it's taken three of us, both daughters and her granddaughter, to even try to follow her footsteps. My sister teaches, as did Mother; my daughter is studying to be a biologist, thus following her grandmother's lead; Mama is also an artist, and I am trying to cover that base. Our mother is the kind of lady who cares a lot more about what she's doing than what she's wearing. Consequently, by following that "trend," none of our names has ever appeared on a "best-dressed list" or is ever likely to! But most importantly, all of us have had the privilege of sharing the "Good News" with young children. Mother is, of course, our model and inspiration for that, since she was given her first class at age 12, and only a collection of health problems forced her to "retire" at age 78. So, Jesus is the one whose "footsteps" we would follow and on whose "list" we wish to be found.

Psalm 17.5 - I have treasured the words from your lips; in the path prescribed, walking deliberately in your footsteps, so that my feet do not slip.

Romans 14.7 - We are not our own bosses to live or die as we might choose. Living or dying we follow the Lord.

1 Peter 2.21 - Christ...is your example. Follow in his footsteps.

Job 23.11 - My foot has held fast to his steps, I have kept his way and not turned aside.

1 Peter 3.6 - And if you do the same, you will be following in her steps like good daughters and doing what is right.

Philippians 4.3 - These women were a help to me when I was fighting to defend the Good News - Their names are written in the book of life.

Malachi 3.16 - In his presence there was written down in a book a record of those who feared the Lord and respected him.

Revelation 20.12 - The book of life was opened and other books opened, which were the record of what they had done in their lives.

Luke 1.50 - His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who reverence him.