A tribute to a dear gift from God: my mother, Barbara Lynn
(And as I have to tell my little boy students, it's not proper to tell a lady's age...so I won't)
A few months ago, my tribute to my mother would have been entirely different than the one I bring to her today. Back then, I would have written about how she is so fun, my best friend, a great teacher, and has always “been there” for me. And all of that is still very true. However, I've discovered (even just a tiny glimpse) through carrying the burden of young ones, while having my own school, that the most amazing thing about my mom is that she did so much for me with no applause. She did so much that no one noticed. Day in. Day out. Every day. And not only was she not bathed in praise, but many times she was jeered at, snubbed, and ridiculed for her amazing profession as a homeschool mom.
Sometimes these days the word “homeschool” is used as a joke—even I do it, occasionally. But the education my mom gave me was not a joke at all. When I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bryan College, there's a reason I handed her my cord—not because she wrote my papers—not because she took my tests, but because SHE was the one who pushed me to be my best and put that fire to my behind and said, “Do it.”
My mom went against the raging cultural current in order to protect me from the wicked ideologies of this age, whether they be obvious, or subtle. Ideas have consequences. She didn't pretend to have all the answers, but she pointed me to the One who does.
And with that, I'll leave you with a few things I learned from my mama, funny and stoic. :) Enjoy.
- It's totally okay to tell your children that their dad won a trip to Disney World, and while they're jumping and shouting in sheer glee, say, “April Fool's Day!”
- “A Walk to Remember” is the worst and saddest movie in existence.
- Math, math and more math.
- Mowing the lawn is alone.time.for.mom.donotdisturbher. “Yes, you can have a popsicle, now go away.”
- Socks and shoes are essential for proper homeschooling.
- Shoes and coffee are essentials of life.
- Summers should be lived outside.
- It's cool to be best friends with your daughter and do crazy things like dress up your large dog in people clothes.
- Financially supporting missionaries is a must.
- Learning is fun!
- The Bible is the most important book you'll ever read or study. Period.
- Dishonesty is disgusting and whining is not tolerable.
- It's important to dress classy—how you dress is how you'll feel, and how you feel is how you'll act.
Our song: "Together" with Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli
She is...
beautiful—has been called “chocolate eyes," and I had to [angrily] remind my college guy friends that she is 1. married and 2. WAY out of their league ;) Want to make my day? Tell me I look like her. : )
dedicated—to the Lord and His Word, to my dad, to my family, and to developing as a photographer.
A firecracker—my mom knows what she believes, and if necessary, she will defend it.
hilarious--her impersonations are the best. "Nemo's swimming out to SEA!"
honest and sensitive to the Holy Spirit—Mama will tell me the truth, even when I don't want to hear it. She protects me from one of my worst enemies: myself. And even though she was sad to see me go, it was so wonderful to hear her say, "It's time."
As the little poem goes, "Mirror, mirror on the wall, I am my mother, after all." I find that in teaching, I continually say things that my mom said to me. I'm thankful that she didn't let us get away with things, and she encouraged us to continue our education...to be lifelong learners.
Sorry for all the times I ran off at Walmart. Thanks for all the walks, coffee, dancing in the kitchen to Abba, and being real with me...especially with regard to young men. We've raised our voices; we've clashed. But in the end, I know that you're the one who is indeed my best friend and will always be there for me. I hope you have the happiest birthday. Wish I could be there. Finally, thanks for having a worn Bible, and thanks for reminding me that it's all about God's glory. I love you.
