Happy Birthday Miss Retha!

This blog is about my beautiful mother that is truly one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. I do believe that this post will be encouraging so stick around and be encouraged by the way that she lives her life!

It’s no doubt that I’m a Momma’s boy haha. I LOVE MY MOTHER. 

A little background. My dad and mom got divorced when I was about 5 and my mom and I moved from Dallas to Longview, and so I grew up spending most of my time with her. I’ve always wanted to stay close to her side and be around because we’re so much alike. My mom is very caring for people! Probably a little too caring at times haha but she has truly set the example for me and many others to love each other. She’s been through a lot over 54 years and one thing that has always been consistent in her life is the way that she loves people. Especially those that are the hardest to love. Jesus talks about loving and praying for our enemies and also forgiving because He has forgiven us! My mom has always taught me to forgive those that have hurt me. To let it go and allow God to handle it. Miss Retha is one of the best followers of Jesus that I know. 

Want an example? In high school I can recall many times being waken up by the praising, praying, crying, and worshipping that my mother was doing in her room! THAT’S HOW MUCH SHE LOVES JESUS. I mean like 3 in the morning she’s doing this. The joy that she has is obviously from God! That is what I would describe her as. Joyous! Joy is eternal! Happiness is fleeting. Nothing can steal your joy! Remind yourself of that! How can Satan take something that he didn’t give you!!?

She always taught me that joy comes from the lord. The verse she quoted comes from  Nehemiah and says ” Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!

This is what my mother would always tell me after working a 12+ hour day at the hospital. Knowing that her single income wouldn’t provide all we needed month to month, but that didn’t stop her from worshipping! Her joy in Jesus was so strong that her circumstances couldn’t control the way she looked at her life and how she worships! I beleive that this is why I’m such an optimistic person! Because my mother has always taught me that our circumstances are only temporary! Which is SO accurate. I love her and how she loves Jesus and people!

Happy Birthday mother! Thank you for being who you are. You’re such a kind and caring mother to me and Quita and we want you to know that we truly are so thankful for your heart. You are constantly showing us by your actions, how follow Jesus and we are so thankful. One of my favorite memories that I’ll always have is how as a kid I would ask you to rub my back and for you to sing ” You Are My Sunshine” I can remember hearing those words and being comforted by having my favorite person beside me, reminding me with your presence that everything was going to be ok, and that you loved me dearly. Thank for choosing to read a prayer to me at my wedding in place of dancing. I think we picked a great song, since  I am your sunshine : )

To one of the most joyous, spirit-filled, loving, caring, worship-minded people that I know, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Thank you for helping mold me into the young, goofy( which I probably got from my dad) follower of Jesus that I am now. I hope your day is filled with laughter, love, and memories as we celebrate your life! 

Love, Your Sunshine