Cathy's Corner: Week 5

Week 5 continues the scriptures and thoughts of my Sister-in-Law Cathy Whitacre.

Cathy Whitacre has touched a lot of lives with her special personality. It is with much sorrow that her body cannot fight cancer this time due to other issues.  These are Cathy's daily thoughts which I am posting a week at a time. She wants to use this time in a positive helpful way and we pray that these scriptures and thoughts might encourage you.

Mothers, What Every Boy Needs and Every Man Wants
Written by Rob L. Whitacre

(Son of Cathy. Rob is the Preacher at the Willette Church of Christ, TN)

This Mother’s day brings a much different feeling as I sit next to the one who bore, raised, and still comforts me. You see, this will be the last time I will spend Mother’s day with her as cancer slowly consumes her temporal body. Yet, I need no pity, nor do I feel sorry for her or myself. I have no resentment or anger towards God and will not play the blame game. In fact, we both feel blessed, peaceful, and fulfilled. You see, God gave me what every boy needs and every man wants.

Paul said, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (I Timothy 1:5). My mother handed me a Christian CULTURE. It is an inheritance where, “neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:20). It lays up for their children a treasure in their heart where Heaven is the goal. While some only get physical goods and material possessions, she gave me a tradition of Christianity that began with her parents, passed on to her children, and is now being taught to her grandchildren. Not all tradition is bad. In fact, having a family heritage or lineage helps pave the road for each succeeding generation. There are three things I can vividly remember about my Christian culture.

First, my mother created a culture of love and respect for the institution of marriage. “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children… obedient to their own husbands…” (Titus 2:4-5). I have never had any doubts about her unconditional love for my father. It was demonstrated by her patience when he made mistakes, occasionally lost his temper, or made decisions for which she disagreed. Second, in conjunction with love, she taught forgiveness. When I disobeyed and disappointed her, I knew she would forgive me when I made things right. She did not hold a grudge and was there to lift my spirit. “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:13). Third, she also provided a culture of motherhood in the home. “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home…that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:5). My mother chose to make her work at home her number one job. She sacrificed financially to invest in making our home safe and spiritual.

My mother was my most important COACH. A child can have coaches that teach him how to play baseball, soccer, and football, but none of these things have an eternal bearing. Timothy had hall of fame coaching! “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;” (II Timothy 3:14). This is a vital work of mothers. The scriptures say, “…a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Proverbs 29:15). Permissive motherhood is ungodly. Timothy had been coached to “continue thou in” and “learn” the Scripture. There are three things we must understand about Biblical coaching.

Coaching provides comfort. It is not a comfort based upon physical feelings that flower and fade, but it is based upon faith. The root word is “Pistos” and is translated “faithful” 53 times. It provides assurance and hope (Hebrews 11:1). Some men seek solace in women and wine, but a godly mother can teach her children that real comfort is found in faith. King Lemuel’s mother said, “What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted” (Proverbs 31:2-5). We need more mothers who provide this kind of coaching!

Coaching must begin early, “And that from a child…” (vs.15). The word for “child” comes from the Greek word, “brephos” meaning embryo or newborn baby. Although fathers have the primary role as teachers of their children (Ephesians 6:4), mothers can have a large impact. We know very little about Timothy’s father. We also know that Paul credited his spiritual training to his mother and grandmother. In fact, so important were their roles that they are honored by name, “Lois” and “Eunice.” Proverbs records, “The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him” (Psalm 31:1). My mother used her talents as a Bible class teacher to help me learn basic Bible facts that I have never forgotten. The 12 sons of Jacob, 66 books of the Bible, 12 apostles, 7 days of creation, 5 judges, and so much more were all learned from my mother at a very young age. My first school was Bible school at home, and she taught me the most important lessons of life. Sir Francis Xavier once stated, “Give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man.”

Coaching must focus on the commandments. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16). There is nothing a mother can give her children that will provide and protect them more than the commandments. They feed children (Matthew 4:4). They help children grow and build strength (Acts 20:32). They protect them from sin (Psalm 119:11). I still remember her pulling me off the soccer field on a Sunday afternoon during a game so we would not be late for worship. She was the head coach that day!

Finally, a mother must work towards making their children COMPLETE. “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:17). Her job is to help them develop into being mature faithful Christians who are able to work for the Lord. “The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him” (Proverbs 23:24). A child who graduates as the valedictorian, climbs the corporate ladder, and becomes financially successful, but fails spiritually, is incomplete.

A mother surrounds her children with a Christian culture. She is a coach for life that provides comfort through the commandments. Her goal is to see her children become complete and ready for every good work. I could not ask for a better mother. Even today, through Cathy's Corner, she provides me all those things Paul said about Timothy’s mother. My mother gave me what I needed as a boy and what I want as a man. May we all thank our Father for the creation of motherhood.

Cathy's Corner

April 19, 2015

Luke 15:6 "And when he cometh home he called together his friends and neighbors saying unto me rejoice with me..."

Yesterday is a day I will cherish forever. I was blessed to have some family and friends share our home. We were able to share memories, enjoy a meal and most important the common love we have for each other. I've always told my children that your home is your refuge from the world, no matter what happens you are the most important person there. Our heavenly Home is where we will rejoice with our brothers and sisters. Today I rejoice!

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

April 20, 2015

Psalm 71:1 "In thee O Lord do I put my trust, let me never be put to confusion."

Have you ever been in a situation where you thought you knew exactly how things would unfold. You did the planning, prepared yourself for the obstacles only to realize that you were wrong, on my journey I have done just that. This is where faith is needed. Each day I pray for God to continue to give me the strength that I need and the faith to put my hand in His as He walks with me.

Growing in Faith involves learning to let go of self and let God be our guide.

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy 's Corner

April 21, 2015

John 13:35 "By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Love has been poured out to our family in ways that we could never have imagined. This past weekend we were blessed with love from prayers, visits, meals, and time shared in a devotional. Our Father gives us each the opportunity to show love to those around us. Love can be expressed in many ways, don't let an opportunity pass to show that we are His disciples.

Your Sister Cathy

 

Cathy's Corner

April 22, 2015

Psalm 37:7 " Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him..fret not."

There comes a time in everyone's life that we find ourselves waiting. Yesterday I was waiting, or should I say trying to wait or trust in the Lord. The day before I had been given a different dosage of drug and my body was trying to make adjustments to it. After much of the day had passed I realized that I had met my challenge for the day. I needed to be patient. How many of us find ourselves in the same situation, needing to wait patiently and fret not? We want God's help, we need His help and we know we need Him. I thank God for being patient with me.

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

April 23, 2015

Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing , but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God."

What a blessing that we have through that power of prayer. Yesterday I needed my Father as I was facing a difficult situation and He was there to answer my prayers. Today I thank Him for His care. Do we remember to give thanks when our Father is there for us, as He gives us opportunity to take part in the wonderful blessing of prayer, do we pray without ceasing?

Your Sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

April 24, 2015

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth but God is my strength of my heart and my portion forever?

Just as calm surrounds the hollow this morning there is a peace that brings rest knowing my God is with me through each and every day. Every day brings new strength, from a visitor, a phone call, or a "Hug in an Envelope", which are the many cards that I get.

What a wonderful evening, my strength and rest came from a, group of college students who took time out of their busy schedule to sing praises to our Father at our home. I thank God for their love and enthusiasm.

Your sister Cathy

Cathy's Corner

April 25, 2015

Matthew 6:19 "Lay not for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal.

2 Timothy 2:19 "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal the Lord knows them that are His."

As I have gotten older I am more aware of the importance of being secure, having a firm foundation. When we are young we count on our parents to provide the security we need. As Christians we are given the promise from our Father that He will care for His children. Are we seeking His kingdom the firm foundation? What treasures have we laid up in heaven?

Your Sister Cathy