My Mother's Voice

Today (February 6th) would be my Mother’s 102nd Birthday. She has been on my mind all day. I thought I would share something I wrote a few years ago about her. I hope you enjoy it.

I heard her voice again this morning. I awakened and looked at the clock, noting that I had one more hour to sleep. As I rolled to my side she simply called, “Barbara!” Although she’d gone home to God five years ago, I knew it was she. The ethereal quality of the voice did not diminish her personal resonance. She’d spoken to me many times and in many ways. Occasionally, like this morning, it was audible, direct and loving. I said “Hi Mom” and slowly rolled to my side to sleep until the alarm sounded. She, however, had a different plan.

Unable to go back to sleep, I arose and sat in the chair beside my bed. “Ok Mom, what do you want?” In the silence my inner voice prompted me to turn on the television. I dragged myself to the living room, picked up the remote and clicked. There it was, a program about mothers and daughters. I let out a deep sigh and watched, in awe of what had just happened. As I listened to the complexity of mother/daughter relationships, I had the distinct feeling that this was much more than a coincidence. It was a lesson in listening.

Out of this arose the perception that Mom has really never left. I can see more of her in me than ever before. She’s in my gestures and in the way I walk. When I look in a mirror and see her face in mine, I often smile and say, “Hi Margaret!” Maybe she hears me and returns the greeting when I am open to hearing her speak.

And then I question…Does my mother live inside of me as well? Does my inner Wisdom know that Mom’s voice will get my attention? If I believe that there is really only One, then both are true. Nevertheless, my heart is bursting with love and gratitude today. How many times I’ve longed to hear my mother’s voice…just once more. Now I have, and perhaps I will again.

Dear God,
Today I am grateful for your infinite Patience. I open myself to receive your Divine Guidance, and I listen closely for your loving Voice that comes through in so many ways.

And so it is
AMEN


Sent To You With Love. Rev. Dr. Barbara Rasp

God is the friend of silence. See how nature -- trees, flowers, grass -- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence . . . We need silence to be able to touch souls. Mother Teresa