Eight years ago when I first penned this week’s Inspiration I had just completed a two week mission trip to Hungary with a group of men from The Salvation Army. At that time, both the wonders I experienced in Hungary and the upcoming celebration of Mother’s Day compelled me to share the following thoughts with you. This week, I reacquainted myself with that post and the profound feelings that permeated me then were reignited again to such a degree I felt it apropos to share it with you once more.
In the ensuing years, the persons mentioned have all aged accordingly. I have also been blessed with two more grandchildren. But, despite the passage of time, the message is still fresh in my heart and, I hope for you, it will be a timely message of honor for all our mothers as we celebrate them this Sunday.
A gospel passage that was foremost in my mind throughout our mission trip was Matthew 25:34-36:
Then the king will say to those at his right hand,
“Come, you that are blessed by my Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;
for I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
I was naked and you gave me clothing,
I was sick and you took care of me,
I was in prison and you visited me.”
With the exception of visiting me in prison because, by the grace of God, I never ended up in one, all of these righteous acts of compassion were abundantly provided to me by my mother. Mothers are the epitome of compassionate love. Surely, the love of a mother is the veil of a softer light between our heart and our heavenly Father.
While in Hungary, our team would gather every night after a long day of work and discuss our mission and how we had served God through helping others that day. A book that we used to guide our discussions is entitled The Edge – When Compassion Takes Action.
The book starts by plowing through several of the technicalities regarding the word “compassion.” It was originally formed from two Latin words-one means “to be with someone” and the other “to suffer.” So, at its core, compassion means to be with someone in their suffering.
There are few things more precious than when one person sticks by another and comforts them. Think of the perfect human image of that and most of us would recall our mothers. Next to God’s love it is a mother’s love that enables and encourages us to be the best that we can be and comforts us when we are suffering. So, this Sunday, how can we truly say thank you to someone that is so special?
Let me digress for a moment and share part of my experiences in Hungary. I can summarize how powerful and profound the entire trip was by saying that in those 14 days, we did every one of the righteous acts commanded of us by God for “the least of these who are members of my family…” Prior to leaving we were told where we would be. Our group was sent to Debrecen, Hungary. We were also told most of what we would be doing, but not all.
One of the surprises was we were asked by the local Salvation Army officer to accompany him to the local prison on Sunday to conduct services for the inmates. Although I had never done this, I was excited by the opportunity. That excitement was quickly diminished when I was asked to be one of two of our group to give my testimony to the attendees.
On Sunday, after the regular worship services conducted at the Salvation Army chapel, we left for the prison. It was a dark and dreary place. We were ushered through several iron cell block doors escorted by rough looking guards. Ultimately we ended up in a large room with nothing but the four walls and metal folding chairs on the floor. The walls were brightened somewhat by fading biblical paintings that were created by inmates of the past.
After what seemed an eternity, but was in reality about a half-hour, about 40-50 inmates began to enter one at a time. Many looked quite the role–rough and tuff.
We began by leading the congregation in singing several hymns Then, I was the first to first called to the lectern. There was an interpreter standing beside me, so I would speak several sentences and then have to pause for it to be translated into Hungarian.
I began by introducing myself and said that I was neither a preacher, an officer or a soldier of the Salvation Army. Here is how the rest of it went:
“I am simply a volunteer. In America, I am a businessman. I have been married to the same wonderful woman for nearly 38 years. She has given me two magnificent sons; ages 32 and 29. I also have one grandson who is 16months old. I don’t know if of this finds any commonality with you. Looking out at your faces, I sense that most of you are much younger than I. Some of you may be parents, but certainly none of you are American. I suspect that some or all of you may be thinking right now, ‘What is he doing here?’
I can assure you that I understand and share those same feelings. I don’t know what I can say that would lift your spirits or inspire you to a higher faith in God. But, I do know why I am here this morning. I do know why am I in Hungary and I do know why am I speaking to you, and I’d like to share that with you.
It is because this past January my 29 year old son, the father of my grandson, was diagnosed with cancer. From the moment I heard my wife say that they had found cancer in Joel, I felt completely powerless, as a father, as a husband, and as a man.
In desperation, I turned to God and asked Him to have mercy on my son and heal him. God answered my prayer and my son is now cancer free.
After his successful operation to remove the cancerous tumor, in gratitude I prayed again. This time it was not to ask God for anything. It was a prayer of thanksgiving.
‘Oh merciful and generous God, I know your hand was in this and I am grateful. Show me, Lord, how I can please You and give back to you what you have given to me. Lord, show me a way to thank and please You!’
Several days later, I received a phone call from my local Salvation Army officer. He told me of this upcoming mission trip to Hungary and asked if I might be interested in applying. Although I had never done anything like this, I sensed at once that God was answering my prayer. This was how He wanted me to thank Him. What else could I do but say ‘yes!’
So I am here today, speaking to you, as an act of thanksgiving to a merciful and generous God. He healed my son and He asked me to be here with you. So each of you sitting in this room–-complete strangers–are helping me to repay a loving God for the greatest gift a parent can have–the life of their child.
I can give you nothing equal to what you have helped me to give–thanks to God!
So, for your generosity to a total stranger I humbly say:
Koszonom (thank you).”
My mother passed away almost 12 years ago, but this Sunday, I think my gift to her will be a perfect one. It will be these simple words:
“Thank you, Mom, for when I was hungry you fed me, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, when I was naked you clothed me, and when I was sick you took care of me. All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to you, my angel mother. In gratitude, I will go and do for others what you have done for me.”
We are born of love; Love is our mother. — Rumi
Have an AWE-full Mother’s Day Weekend!
William “Bill” Bacque