To Honor You

To Honor You

To honor you, I get up everyday and take a breath.

And start another day without you in it.

To honor you, I laugh and love with those who knew your smile

And the way your eyes twinkled with mischief and secret knowledge.

To honor you, I take the time to appreciate everyone I love,

I know now there is no guarantee of days or hours spent in their presence.

To honor you, I listen to music you would have liked,

And sing at the top of my lungs, with the windows rolled down.

To honor you, I take chances, say what I feel, hold nothing back,

Risk making a fool of myself, dance every dance.

You were my light, my heart, my gift of love, from the very highest source.

So everyday, I vow to make a difference, share a smile, live, laugh and love.

Now I live for us both, so all I do, I do to honor you.

borrowed from Connie F. Kiefer Byrd hwo penned this 

In Loving Memory of her son

 Jordan Alexander Kiefer

8/24/88 – 12/13/05

Unlikely Mothers

Recently, a friend of mine shared a poem she was ask to pen in honor of Mother's Day.  As I read her prose, my heart overflowed and images filled my mind as I reflected on some of the unlikely mothers I know, love and am blessed to call friend. 

The Unlikely Mother

She stands alone with none to call her own

Barren, unmarried, or her moment has passed on

Whatever the case she is crowned with grace

For Isaiah says many will fill her empty place

She always opens her door to just one more

If there is nowhere else, they can sleep on the floor

Her words are as strong as the confidence she carries

Not for a moment being thought of as just ordinary

She is a wisdom provider, mercy giver, and Christ lover

She is blessed among women; she is the unlikely mother

She may not have given birth to her child

But she will stand in the gap to keep them undefiled

She cradles her children with unconditional love

Because her heart understands they were sent from above

She is a truth seeker, Word speaker, secret keeper…maybe even a cover

But above all else, she is the unlikely mother

She has enriched my own life, So I reach out to another

To embrace the responsibilities of the unlikely mother

Thank you Kate Stoker for allowing me to share your lovely poem.