Dear Daughter

A dialogue between a mother and daughter.

Mother: Don’t turn your back on God, dear daughter! Ever.

Daughter: Mom, God is not isolated to one place. He’s not sitting in one fixed position. There’s nowhere I could go without His knowledge.

Mother: Don’t turn your proverbial back on God! Don’t ignore Him.

Daughter: How could I ignore Him? He’s more real to me than the air that I breathe.

Mother: Remember I used to tell you stories when you were a little girl? One day, you’ll do the same for your child.

Daughter: Yes, mom, you were a walking audiobook. I’d be happy to follow in your footsteps.

Mother: I want you to know something, my dear, but I don’t want to burden you.

Daughter: Yes, mom. Please tell me.

Mother: I’m losing my vision. I can’t see as well as I used to. Your dad asked me to tell you. We’re concerned about what this means for you.

Daughter: Mom, I love you very much. We’ll take care of you.

Mother: I’ll never see you walk down the aisle on your wedding day or graduate from college, but please find comfort in trusting we bear God’s image.

Daughter: What does that mean, Pastor Mommiye, woman of God?

Mother: It reflects our capacity to think. We can reason with God. We have our imagination.

Daughter: So, you’re not saying I have His smile.

Mother: He gives us reasons to smile and opportunities to show compassion. I can picture you as a bride in a white dress and on commencement with a black cap and gown. Now you’ll have to use your voice to tell me stories. I’m here to listen to your version of everything.

Daughter: I’ll make it a sweet rendition.

Mother: I guess what I’m saying is don’t turn your back on me. If losing my sight is what God has planned for me, I’ll take it in stride.

Daughter: You’ve always had faith, mom.

Mother: You are my pride and joy. I hope you always feel at home here. Here, in my heart.

- Yerusalem Work