Comments on: A Mother’s Legacy: Bitterness Begone

By: Bill Steinwedell

Bill Steinwedell — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 01:01:30 +0000

I am blessed by your telling of your story and the mother with whom God blessed you, and now the rest of us who have read this. I am reading Siang-Yang Tan’s Full Service (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2006). Tan reflects upon leadership and servant-hood, but really upon the difference between selfish Christianity and being in Christ as Paul in Philippians begs us to be (rather than imitating him, be in Christ). As I read this article on your mom, as I reflected on some of the tyranny, almost evil abuse, of authority I have experienced, as well as just struggles with loved ones, I am reminded of how bitterness, unwillingness to forgive, and not trusting in God’s hand working in all things, are inescapably intertwined. How great, how difficult, how holy is the call to love one another! Love your enemy! Forgive them for they know not what they do! Thanks again for sharing your heart and experience concerning your mom!

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:16:49 +0000

As a pastor’s son myself, I can relate to the wonderfully told memories here. Your mother did indeed leave a wonderful legacy.

By: John W. Scorgie

John W. Scorgie — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:29:59 +0000

Thanks for your tribute to your mother , my aunt. She was a woman who became a refined, renewed vessel in the Potter’s hands through tough situations and I thank God for the example she was to me as her nephew and as a pastor who has also faced circumstances beyond my control and against my will.

By: thorsten

thorsten — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:09:23 +0000

Thanks Glen. I’m not good at taking time to reflect on these important things. So I appreciate you inviting (reminding, even) your readers to do so. The more I have gone in the direction of a storied epistemology over the years, the more I appreciate such story telling. Thanks.

By: Rebecca Friese

Rebecca Friese — Tue, 13 May 2008 05:21:50 +0000

Thank you for this. As another pastor’s wife who has had “fractious folks at church” cause pain to my family, your words are a challenge and inspiration to me. May I too learn more and more to find my sweet consolation in God so that no root of bitterness will spring up in my heart. Truly God is good!