My Mom made me cry.

I have the unique opportunity of being a vocal coach to many wonderful people...one of them just happens to be my mother.
This past weekend, I wasn't a part of the service, so I got to actually sit, watch, sing, listen.

If you don't go to my church, let me set the stage (if you will). There are 3 large screens above the stage, we use plasmas on the stage, and there are camera guys on the stage, a jib in the back of the room, and 3 other stationary cameras elsewhere...all trying to get the best shot to "tell the story" we are trying to tell.

There were several "stories" told this weekend, but one that was for me alone. The story of my Mom.

You see, at one point in the service, the camera man got a beautiful shot of her...a side profile, much like the one above. The song they were singing was an oldie... "I Surrender All." Here are some of the words....


All to Jesus
I Surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live...

And my mom sung it so beautifully, because this IS her story.

She has given her life for Jesus. She serves him every day by the way she loves and cares for others. She gives up her weekends to care for my kids and my sister's daughter. She has taught us (by example) to give our offerings to the church and consider it a blessing not a requirement. She has never been wealthy, but has always been rich. Her morals are of the highest standards. She cares so deeply for others it hurts. She loves her family more than anything but she loves her Savior more. And this was the story she told this weekend. This is the story she tells every day...with her life.

As soon as I saw her image, all of those thoughts came to mind...it was like my life flashed before my eyes. So many memories of my mom filling my mind all at once. And I was so overcome with emotion, I couldn't sing.

I love you so much Mom. Thank you for being such a beautiful, selfless example of who I want to be when I grow up!