“Cry when you need to cry, but don’t cry like you have no hope.” - Raymond Otey, Sr.
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December 5, 2020
Today marks 17 years since my mother passed. She was just months shy of 50 and I, 24.
Today, the Bubba N Frank's family laid their husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, our friend, Richard “Bubba” Christian, to rest...
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What does this photo have to do with the significance of today?
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Well, one, this smile is my mother’s, 100%. This smile that God uses to shine brightly and warm hearts in the world, just as she did.
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Also, because my heart swells with joy when I imagine how proud she’d be of me if she were here with us today...
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Of all the tears I’ve cried since she’s been gone, I smile more because I know she was proud of me then and truly my #1 fan - always.
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Today, I sat and watched all six of my dear friend Richard’s children (ages 30-19) stand and one by one express, not only the love they have for their father, but share that they KNEW he loved and supported them, as they are, regardless of what they may have ever done to disappoint he and their mother (cuz humanness).
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They KNOW that he was proud of them and loved them each as individuals, always encouraging their becoming...
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So, I smile knowing that as the Christian children find their way, the memories and love of their father will bring more smiles and laughter than tears.
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I encourage you, I know we’re not the only ones hurting but I do know that Christ is our comfort by the Holy Spirit so, cry.
But do not cry as if you have no hope.