Honorable Pastor,

My mother passed on July 18, 2008.

As I write this missive, it is Sunday, July 18, 2010, the second anniversary of her passing. I went to church on said day, Sunday, July 18, 2010, and at times it was very emotional.

Pastor, I recall my mother's last day in her physical presence. I recall when she got to the point when she could no longer talk. I recall that I and some others were in the hospital room with her. I recall the moment that one of my sister's sons (Mark) asked her, "do you want Rickey to go to church?". She was no longer able to use her voice, but she nodded her head, signifying "yes." He then asked her, "do you want Rickey to join the church?". She once again nodded her head, "yes". That was on a Friday; July 18, 2008. She passed that Friday night at 10:30 p.m.

On Sunday, July 20, 2008, when the call was made, "will you come?", I heeded the call.

I originally joined because it was my mothers desire on her dying bed;

Exodus
(19:12)
Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

In the beginning I attended because that's what my mom wanted me to do. Now I attend not only because it's what my mom wanted me to do, but I attend also because I now understand its what the Lord God wants me and us to do. And I am so thankful.

Isaiah
(28:16) Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation.

I would like to thank my mom for laying in me for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation in God's name.

Proverbs
(22:6) Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Now, I must admit I have not been perfect, I will even go so far as to say that I had and have gone astray. But even though I may have gone astray, and lesser, weaker stones may have formed against me, the foundation, the corner stone that was laid in me in Jesus' name was still there. And I am so thankful for that foundation, that cornerstone.

Isaiah
(54:17) For no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.

I am thankful to God, for his "grace and mercy".

I am thankful that "The Mount" was willing to accept a prodigal son.

Isaiah
(45:1) Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus;
(45:5) "I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me."

Let me take a moment to say, "Thank God" for being God.

God knows what he's doing.

God's will be done!

I love mom, but God loves her best.

Mom's stay here in the physical world was only a visit, she's gone home now.

She's gone home to live with Jesus, ain't it grand!

Frederick Bryant
July 18, 2010
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