Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even though they die. ~John 11:25
In her memorial service
One word is repeated:
"Direct"
No bush beating
No mealy mouthing
Direct
Unfiltered thoughts
Brash and honest
Direct
Everyone knows
Remembers fondly
This one of a kind
Woman
Amen
May she rest in peace ... and smile upon you. What a wonderful person she was.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all, Martha.
Thank you, Victor. I know Mom is in a better place.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Praying you were comforted by His Presence and peace as you remembered your mother.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bill. Yes, we are all taking comfort in the Lord at this time.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
ReplyDeleteWell, both of us can identify with that directness and prefer it compared to any other way.
May your dear Mother rest in peace.
Thanks for sharing with your readers your special Angel you know by name!
Hugs,
Mariette
I didn't always appreciate Mom's directness, as it was difficult to see that beneath that exterior, she really cared, but something about her attitude didn't offend others, which really surprised me. I'm glad there are so many in her community that got a kick out of her bluntness.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha Jane,
DeleteIt is not bluntness... I would never use that word. For some characteristics of German/Dutch people they often say: they don't sugarcoat their opinion.
In our work worldwide, we often had to do straight away open heart surgery as we lacked the time of going into way too many details, that often only distract from the main issue. Your Mother must have been a very keen observer that saw things right away and said so.
Nothing wrong with that.
There is another Dutch proverb: smearing someone honey around the mouth...
Thanks for shining some light on the way the German/Dutch cultures value being frank and straightforward. My mother was originally from the north (MA), and was a Southern transplant who never quite acclimated to the culture here. I think that's why so many folks found her both different and refreshing. She infused some Yankee traits into their genteel world.
DeleteOne still can remain polite, we used to have a priest who was a professor that was an excellent teacher. Guess he was born in the South but he had an excellent quote that I used on my Pinterest board for good advice: Some people can be nauseating nice ~ Rev. Dr. James Arthur Johnson https://www.pinterest.com/pin/375980268891697136/
DeleteThank you for sharing this glimpse of who your mother really was. I hope you'll continue to honor her here from time to time! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Myra! Yes, I'm sure I'll share more in the future.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Your mother sounds a lot like my Mother in Law. She was fun loving and wonderful, but she was also very "direct" and spoke her mind freely, but with a such southern charm people loved her and accepted her regardless. She could be a bit blunt and to the point at times, and when I was a young new daughter in law, I found her "directness" a bit overwhelming at times, but love conquers a multitude of sins, so they say. And her loving ways far outshadowed her "directness". I know you will miss your dear mother. My mother could also be a bit direct and spoke her opinion strongly. But I seem to have forgotten all of that since she's gone and only can remember our happy memories together. I trust it will always be so for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pamela, for sharing your own memories of your MIL and your mother. I'm glad to know that my own mother wasn't the only one who was direct in her speaking. Yes, I'm hanging on to the good memories, that's for sure!
DeleteLove and blessings!
You and your family have been in my prayers. May your dear mother rest in the peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Terri, for all your prayers.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Praying your memories are a comfort to you, Martha.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
They are, Lulu.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, I've been missing awhile and had no idea you'd lost your mother. Last I heard she had a fractured bone, but that's all I was aware of, and so I'm sorry I didn't reach out sooner. My heartfelt condolences go out to you, sweet Martha, and to family and friends who knew her. May you find comfort and peace in our Lord's presence.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra. Yes, this has been the long, hard summer, but I know my mother is in a better place and out of her pain and suffering.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a lovely poem. A beautiful tribute to your mom. Blessings
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Nells!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Beautiful tribute. Makes me wonder what one word would be said at my funeral. Pause to pray about that one!
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a great question, Jean. I wonder what mine would be, too. I'll have to ponder that one.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Direct can be a very good thing my friend; especially when accompanied by kindness.
ReplyDeleteAmen, J. D., yes, it can. I'm glad that was a trait that others found refreshing in my mother.
DeleteLove and blessings!
"Direct" was a word that could have been used about my dad too. It sounds like your mother was a special woman who was loved by so many. I'm glad you were able to have the memorial service and be surrounded by others who also loved your mother. Thanks for sharing with us about this aspect of her. Blessings to you, Martha!
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful we could have a memorial service, too, Lisa, considering these trying times of Covid. We did hold it at the graveside, which was a better choice as many in attendance were up there in years. It truly was a beautiful and touching event.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Bless your heart, Martha. I know you miss her so much. May God bless you and hold you extra close. Sending hugs and blessings your way!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Cheryl, for sending your hugs and blessings.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Praying for peace and comfort that only the Lord can offer, sweet Martha.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Beckie! Our true peace can only come from the Lord.
DeleteLove and blessings!
May good memories fill your thoughts even as the Lord continue to comfort your heart, friend. May the words of support from your friends bring you peace.
ReplyDeleteThe encouraging words and prayers from friends do help so much, Linda. Thanks for yours!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I peay you will have some peace as losing these loved ones is so difficult. I love the memories of my folkd and I know you have them too. Take care. Much love and prayers for you.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Anne, the memories are precious to us. Thanks for your love and prayers.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Loss of ones mother is such an unbelievable and sad experience. Yet I remember how my own mother beleived and I know she is resting in the arms of Jesus. I know your mother is too. I cam eback to comment as I made an error. I really need my eyes checked and they told me last year cataracts. My husband had them done several years ago. I dread it but I find I make errors and do not catch them as blogger took away the spell check. I continue to pray for you as losing youe mom is a difficult process. Love and Hugs
ReplyDeleteSweet words about your mother that ring true in your heart forever!
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