My Mother's Bible

 by Macy Johnson

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

preserve my life according to your word.”

(Psalm 119:37 NIV)

 

There at the large, round, wooden breakfast table, my mother, Ruby Martin, sat with her Living Bible and various commentaries spread out before her. The padded green cover was torn and worn, and notes were scribbled on the pages of scripture in her unique penmanship.

 

I have not seen her Bible since she passed away in 2002, but I have read it over and over again. You see, my mother’s Bible was not limited to a book or even notes on the pages. My mother was a walking, living, breathing spirit of Jesus Christ on earth. 

 

Mom was President of the Christian Women’s Club in Pensacola and served in many ways at First Presbyterian Church. She enrolled her children in Christian schools and faithfully took them with our Daddy to Sunday School and Worship Service every Sunday morning. Ruby’s strong faith was her rock and Christ was her foundation.

 

My husband found a scrapbook and several old picture books in our attic. Numerous items I inherited from my mother were strewn alongside. Memories of joy and regret seemed to jump off the dusty floor and clamor for my thoughts. The Holy Spirit nudged me, “Put down the scrap books of regrets and pick up, like your mother did, the only book of Hope – God’s Word.”

 

I seek to scale back my physical belongings and rid my mind and heart of worthless things. I will remember the good gifts of life and reflect on how my mother showed me the way to eternal life. I want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and lead others like she did.

 

I will honor those who have brought me to my heavenly Father. I hope you will, too!