“I just need my Mama!” was an oft-heard wail as Susie and I were raising our children. On one particular night, Susie poked me awake (the reality of man’s kid radar is that it just isn’t that sophisticated and gets completely shut off the moment he lays down), anyway, “It’s your turn!” she let me know. Groggily I stumbled to the room where the crying little twit-rat was doing her thing. The moment I poked my head in the door she put me in my place and commanded, “NO, I WANT MAMA!!!” So, I changed to my mama voice, dumb move, it only escalated the situation. Sometimes, you just need your Mama.
Susie was in labor with our first child, it wasn’t going well (I’ll spare you the details). I tell you, she was a real trooper, but the little big guy wouldn’t come out and we were informed that we were looking at an emergency C-section. I thought was doing a splendid job in my supporting role, but when her Mom arrived and stepped into the room, my strong lady just broke down crying. Sometimes you just need your Mama.
After the Lake Don Pedro Baptist Church family called me to be their pastor at the ripe old age of twenty-four, Mabel Tubbs claimed me as her own and became my American Mama. I don’t know how often I sat at her kitchen table while she was fixing us lunch and got a good Mama talking to, or pure encouragement, with a double slice of Mama-love (often in the form of her dream cake). Sometimes even a preacher just needs his Mama.
I don’t know why I was blessed with an exceptionally awesome Mama and multiple other extraordinary women who are like Moms to me, my Dote (aunt and Godmother), Mabel Tubbs, and Beverly (my mother-in-law). What I do know is how they have impacted and blessed my life for the better. These Mamas loved me, prayed for me, helped me, watched out for me, supported me, and were there when I just needed a Mama.
Three of my Mamas have gone to glory. What’s interesting though is that they are still with me, and their presence in my memory, heart, and mind still helps me, still encourages me, still guides me, and still blesses me. Who knows, they probably got together and agreed, “That boy still needs a Mama,” and they’re right.
I am in the Mama praising choir, and I applaud every Mom who is giving it her all, her best, and somehow still has something left over for someone like me.
Her children stand and bless her… “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Proverbs 31:28-29 (NLT2)
To God be all glory. Happy Mother’s Day, Pastor Hans