Mother on the Second Pew, 2019

The second pew sat the people closest to God. The ones God favored the most, and they loved Him the most in return.

She would sit on the second pew quietly. She didn’t say much, but when she did, we’d all tune in. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren sat in the pews behind her.

Our leader.

With her shawl wrapped around her, she’d sway to the music and occasionally burst out in tongues. When she hopped up to shout, I’d feel that God was now in the building, speaking something good directly to her. When she’d quicken, it felt like God may have come and gently rubbed her shoulder.

It just seemed that her and God had something special.

She was so sure of His power and strength. God satisfied her. She became something sacred to me.

She was my family’s matriarch and a focal point for education and spirituality. Quiet but sure. Soft-spoken but stern. Graceful but direct.

She was my example of what it meant to love unconditionally and what it really meant to love God. Of all my years growing up with her, I cannot remember a conversation that did not have God at the center.

Her impact is the inspiration behind my work.

Thank you for being the pillar on the second pew.

I could only wish I had the strength and fortitudeof the Mother on the Second Pew.