Mama was wise. She died in 2014 at the age of 102.5 years. She lived a long time. She saw a lot. She learned a lot in those years. She didn’t have to stand over me and try to teach me things. I learned a lot by just watching and listening to Mama. Yep, she taught me a lot.
Mama said, “Everybody needs a church home.” She added if you have a death in the family and you are a member of the church, the church people will stand by you and help you.
Mama said, “You may not have much, but you have your character, and if you keep your character clean you will be all right.” The Bible says it plainly, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”
Mama said, “I’ve made enough money this week (sewing) that I can buy my groceries this week.” Her goal was to make enough money each week to buy her groceries. She never asked us for anything. The Bible says, “If a man will not work neither shall he eat.”
Mama said, “I can eat enough of anything to be satisfied.” She didn’t have to have certain foods at her meals. She often made do with what she had and was thankful for it. Mama said, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Mama worked at a sewing factory until retirement age. She drew around $775 Social Security each month. She lived on that all month and supplemented it with doing alterations on the side. She saved and bought CD’s with what she was able to save from that small income.
Mama said, “I don’t know of a thing I want or need.” Mama didn’t have a lot, but she was content with what she had, and she took care of it. She didn’t spend money carelessly. She was able to help build a house and furnish it by working with her carpenter husband. She bought the materials, and he did the building of the house.
Mama said, “There’s only one church which Jesus built. It is the church of Christ.”
Mama was a wise woman. She was full of wisdom. I think of her often and will forever be grateful God made her mine.
No doubt there are many other mamas out there just like mine. We will be forever indebted to them. –Glenda Williams Williams