Destiny Propelled by a Praying Mother

Mom and I - May 1988 - Blytheville High School Baccalaureate Service

Divine Intentions

I am one of six children—not the oldest, not the baby, not the only girl, and not the middle child. By birth order, I held no unique position. As a child, I didn’t believe I was particularly special or that I stood out in any significant way. But something in me longed for my mother’s attention. I wanted to be near her, to be part of her world. So, I followed her everywhere!

I followed her to Church, Bible study, choir rehearsals, and the laundromat on laundry day. We lived next door to our Church. She placed a microphone in my hand when I was about 8. When I told her I had nothing to say, she said, "Open your mouth!" I was involved in everything: helping with programs, singing and directing the choir, performing in plays, speaking at events, serving in auxiliaries, even cleaning the Church. I didn’t know it then, but those moments were shaping me for something greater. I was being prepared, trained quietly and intentionally, for my calling.

In the photo above, I heard the Lord speak to me for the 3rd time during the service about preaching. Like the other times before, I said, "No, I'm not doing that!" I eventually acknowledged my call to the ministry at 22 or 23 years old, and shortly after I did, something incredible happened: my mother acknowledged hers. Her spiritual growth, of course, outpaced mine because she had lived through more, suffered more, prayed longer, and remained faithful in ways I was just beginning to understand.

This is what we now share: Our Calling!

Although she is no longer active in ministry today, she remains my greatest supporter. When I visit or call, we can spend hours together discussing Scripture. She helps shape my sermons, applauds my work on my podcast topics, encourages my Bible study cohorts, and even attends and shares with the attendees, they love her. She has been a steady hand encouraging me behind the scenes of my books. She inspires me. I heard the Lord speak for Destiny Chaser while visiting her. I began writing it at her kitchen table.

Years ago, in my late twenties, she prophesied that I would become a published Christian author. I didn’t realize that prophecy until I was 50. Last summer, she prophesied again, saying I would receive an honorary doctorate. That was in June. By September, it came to pass. She also encouraged me to pursue my master’s degree, which I received last December. 

I now understand why she was so present in my life. She wasn’t just raising a daughter—she was raising a destiny chaser. She has been my destiny propeller, my destiny cheerleader, and through her unwavering belief in me, she passed down a generational blessing rooted in faith, prayer, and purpose. And somewhere along the way, she began calling me Pal. Through our shared love for ministry, we became friends!

This Mother’s Day, I honor her as my Mom and as the woman who saw something in me long before I could see it in myself.