I have been to schools, Bible schools, colleges, seminars and seminaries. I have read books and listened to and watched countless hours of lectures. No one has ever taught me more about the Bible than this woman, my mother, Jane A Pierpont.
Every day of my life she not only talked about Jesus but with all her heart she followed Jesus and lived in the Jesus way. With her it was not just “tell” it was “show and tell.” She taught me the books of the Bible, the truth of the Bible, the stories of the Bible. She helped me apply the truth of the Bible to earthy things like a clean room, treating others with love, obedience to authority, and showing honor.
She disciplined me and corrected me literally thousands of times. (I needed more than the average boy). She modeled to me how to show concern for the souls of others. She would walk me though the neighborhood helping me invite the other children to Bible Clubs and she taught hundreds of Bible Clubs.
I like to think of myself as a storyteller for Jesus. She was the first and best example of a storyteller in my life.
I have taught and preached and pastored and lead and told stories for Jesus to thousands of people for over four decades. If you are one of those people and I was a blessing to you thank the Lord, but today I wanted you to meet my first and very best teacher… my Mom. Thanks, Mom.
Bittersweet Farm–Mother’s Day 2021
Thanks, Mom. Thank you for your consistent and life-long desire to follow Jesus and help all of us follow Jesus. For the last 45 years while preaching things spring into my mind from God’s Word that you taught me when I was a little boy. I still see the books of the Bible, (Law, History, Poetry, Prophecy…) as little flannelgraph books on a shelf in my mind. I have made a career of the storytelling you used so much. Sorry for always telling my friends your punchlines. That must have been really irritating.
You filled our lives with good music, music that had rich meaning and significance. You worked hard to add to the income. You didn’t really ever baby us but you were there to point us to Christ and His Word when life was hard. You always displayed a confidence in God even when circumstances were difficult, like that time in Oklahoma when were really were down to peanut butter and pears. Thanks for always making sure we had peanut butter. I forgive you for the spinach. (The doctor is still trying to get me to eat that stuff. I just say “I’ll take the pills and go to heaven sooner, but I’m not going to eat spinach).
You woke us up with a bright song throwing the curtains back on the day like there was something wonderful waiting for us out there. (I didn’t realize at the time how sunny the prospect was for you of just getting me out of the house for a few hours so you could have some peace). You ended almost every day with song, often playing the piano or a recorded of someone who loved Jesus. (I’m still amazed that I was asked to speak at Helen Barth’s Memorial).
You were very good to Dad’s folks and showed them love and respect. Those trips to the farm and the little green house on Auten Road are treasures in my memory. Thanks for always having little treats for us to shorten the trips.
You always had an Avon bag with music in it in case you were asked to sing and you were often asked to sing. I would love to hear you sing again. Who knew there would come a time that you could only Sing His Praise in your heart. One day I want to hear you sing again.
Thanks for making my clothes. Thanks for all the special touches. Aren’t you glad I grew up in the 70’s when you could send me off to school wearing a polyester leisure suit and platform boots and fit right in. Thank you for always decoding television programs so I could see the unscriptural philosophies behind them. Thanks for always insisting I think through my music and reading with a Bible in hand.
Thanks for teaching me to memorize scripture. Thanks for always seeing to it there were nice meals on the table at mealtime, every mealtime. Thanks for the treats every single night. Thanks for making my bed when I was lazy and all the creative ways you tried to get me to do it myself. I often feel genuine guilt for making you do that. I’m so sorry. Call any day and I will drive to Kalamazoo and make your bed. I owe you a few.
In the picture you are wearing a cross. Above all I thank you for living a crucified life and taking up your cross daily and following Jesus.
I give God thanks for you today and I give you public honor. I love you, Mom.
Bittersweet Farm–Mother’s Day 2022
