My mother is often on my mind during the month of October. She would have turned 95 in October of this year. I know that one of her life goals had been to live to be at least 90. She missed that goal by 5 months. I am pretty sure that event was not on her mind as she made her exit.

Mom had a one-line “go to” prayer that she offered many times a day – “Dear God, give me strength!” It was not said in a careless or disrespectful manner, but reverently and with meaning. She really wanted God to give her the strength that she needed to keep her household of nine children and husband on the right track. She was in constant contact with God.

There were many events which instigated this prayer: spilled milk, stomach flu (always a trying time with so many kids), the missed school bus, sibling quarrels and crying babies. Mom sent her petition heavenward and soldiered on. She had the most astounding reserve of patience that I have had the privilege to witness. It was God’s grace.

After all the children were grown and gone and she and Dad had moved to Florida, she continued to use this prayer. After Dad died and her mind began to slip, she continued to use this prayer. One day, I was driving her to an appointment when I heard her mutter the prayer under her breath. I was a little startled by this because there was no catastrophic event taking place in the car that day. I asked what was bothering her and she told me that she just felt like saying the prayer. She didn’t need a reason.

I realized that many aspects her life at that time were often out of her control. Life had become confusing and strange. Her “Dear God” prayer was a long-remembered touch with reality for her troubled mind. God never left her requests unanswered.
I think about her prayer at times when I feel that my life is out of control. It is a reminder to me to turn the problem over to God. God can do anything! I don’t always get the answer that I had predetermined, but I get the grace to soldier on as my mother did all those many years ago.

Dear God, give me the strength to live this life following Your example. Give me the strength to ignore the temptations that the world presents. Give me the strength and courage to practice justice for all. And most of all, give me the strength to be humble enough to call out for Your help whenever I am in need. I can ask this because I know that You love me unconditionally. I know that You love all your children unconditionally. Amen.

Terri