Legacy of Quiet strength

"Be still and know that he is God" - Psalms 46:10

The legacy that I inherited from Mama is quiet strength. I was always the quietest one out of all my siblings. I would always be in a corner somewhere by myself, to the point where they would sometimes forget about me. I inherited this quietness from Mama, but I also inherited her strength.

Growing up, Mama never had the opportunity to be still and enjoy some quietness. She had to be strong for us. She worked hard for us, and never showed any sign of giving up. Even with a multitude of children, she still knew us personally and catered to us. She overcame so much in her life. Whether it was being forced to leave her home country and raise us in a foreign country, or having to learn new languages to survive while being away from her parents and siblings, or so much more. She was never bitter as she pushed forward and continued to be an incredible parent to all of us. The type of strength she had could have only come from the Lord.

It was not until we were all adults in our own homes that Mama had the opportunity to be comfortable with herself and get some quietness. There are many times we would visit her, and I observed that she liked to be quiet amidst the noise that we would all bring. My siblings would enter her room laughing and having many different conversations at the same time, and Mama would be sitting back knitting or making a necklace and taking it all in. We are the same in this way. When my siblings are talking, I usually sit, listen & laugh.

Her strength and quietness allowed her to be a great listener. She would really listen to you when you were talking or asking for advice, and would offer great responses. There was a certain comfort that came from knowing that if i need help, my mother will be there to give me her full attention and advice. One of my favorite things we shared is our daily evening phone calls. I live further away, and every evening she would call me and ask if I got home safe. This meant a lot to me. She saw me, and she knew me, and she catered to me.

I am very honored to have inherited this legacy from her. I plan to honor her by being a great listener, and by providing strength and comfort to others.