I asked my 93-year-old mother if she ever remembered being afraid. I told her that I never remembered her falling apart. even as a young mother She always not only was brave but made life an adventure!
"Mom, you were only 27 when you traveled alone bringing us three kids, ten, seven and four years old to meet Dad in Japan." (Dad had been stationed there with his Air Force unit. He always went ahead to find housing and get established and Mom would follow with us children.) "I never thought about it until now, but that must have been scary. Going to a new country and hanging onto all three of us!" Mom agreed as she thought back many years ago. "I had never been to another country before. But you just take care of what you need to."
Mom was always brave and full of seeing the adventure in what we did. I am thankful for that for I never picked up fear either which has helped me travel to many countries! Mom is courageous. Even now as she faces some serious health issues, she focuses on each day God gives her. As we have our daily devotions together and begin to pray, immediately she lifts her hands in worship! "Thank you, Lord", I hear her say. "Thank you for another day and for strength for this day." She never complains but is always gracious. Her prayers are powerful as she lifts up loved ones to Him, still standing on promises He has given her throughout the years. She is not deterred by danger or pain, she is courageous. She knows she has purpose!
We are preparing for our 10th annual "He's My Valentine" Party for widows and single ladies. We celebrate the Lord as our Husband while enjoying an amazing dinner, entertainment, and inspiration! Last year we honored our military as we prayed for our nation. This year we will be honoring the First Responders of our communities including Law Enforcement, Fire, Rescue and Help Agencies. Our theme is "Bee Courageous!" using the bumblebee as a pun in our decorations!
Here in Knoxville, Tennessee, we have many First Responders that "Bee Courageous"! A local man met face to face on a Sunday afternoon with the firemen who saved his life. Back in February 2019, Jerry Morton went into cardiac arrest. His wife Amy started chest compressions. Then Rural Metro firefighters pulled up and took over. On May 19, 2019, WATE 6 witnessed as Jerry and his family reunited with first responders to deliver a big "thank you." Both Jerry's wife and the firefighters "Bee courageous" by not giving up or giving way to fear.
If you were to ask one of the First Responders that have done heroic duties, they would tell you, "I did what was right!" This was shown to a Knoxville little girl named Cerra! Cerra and Officer Josh Fischer first met when he stopped the vehicle her mother was driving while trying to get her to the hospital due to a severe asthma attack. When Officer Fischer identified the seriousness of her current state he jumped into action. He assisted in transporting Cerra to the hospital and waited until she was stable. He then assisted getting Cerra mom's vehicle back to the hospital. After her release, Cerra wanted to meet her hero and Officer Fischer was happy to see her again.
Whether it is police, fire, rescue, or ambulance help, we want to honor them at our ladies' He's My Valentine event. They are "everyday heroes" that need to be thanked! (If you know someone in that field please invite them to our event and have them call us. If you are a single lady and want to join our celebration, please make your reservation (details below). Scholarships are available.)
Everyone can be courageous. It's just doing what is right like the First Responder said.
The bottom line is trusting God with our lives as my Mama has all these years. He is faithful and can be trusted. Perfect love cast out fear. Invite His perfect love into your heart and it will make you brave! You too can "Bee Courageous!"
February 15th is our annual "He's My Valentine" party for widows and single ladies in our region!
