Today I’m just a little girl who is proud of her Mom.
Kids get to be proud of their parents, right?
Right this very moment I am watching a live stream of National Day of Prayer. I am so proud of my Mom. I’m not proud of her for being chosen to be part of a certain task force. It actually has nothing to do with that at all. I am proud of her for possessing and exemplifying those basic but rare virtues such as courage and bravery. There she is standing under a “National Day of Prayer” banner, completely and utterly out of her comfort zone. She is not a political figure. Washington D.C. is not her lair. She is just a simple woman who believes in the biblical discipline of prayer. Now, this post will probably be deleted when my Mom sees it because she will likely be too embarrassed by its contents to leave it up.
But, for now…the blog is mine. Muahahahahaha! Hence, the title of this post. That’s what Amanda gets for being on vacation.
Last week when I was in India I got the incredible opportunity to meet a Pastor’s wife named Beena. What is amazing about this story is that Beena had just composed a two-page handwritten letter to my Mom and sent it through snail mail before she ever found out I was in Calcutta. A friend of hers learned through the blog that I would be in the same town where she lived and through about a dozen other providential occurrences, I actually got to meet her in person on my very last day in Calcutta.
Beena and Melissa:
I wish I could tell you more about her story because it is remarkable. For now, I will just tell you that she is currently teaching my Mom’s study on the tabernacle “A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place” in Hindi and Bengali. And by that I mean that she actually translates the material into Hindi and Bengali herself. She and her husband run a house church composed of about ninety people. The overwhelming majority are Hindu or Muslim converts. The Bengali community is one of the least evangelized ethnic groups in the world. She is one impressive woman. Beena told me that she would often do the Bible studies with tears running down her face and that she would pray that God would give my Mom a hug from her so many miles away, half way around the globe. She told me that even though she and my Mom had nothing in common except the Lord, she felt so close to her.
And then she asked me a question:
“What do you think your Mom has done right in raising you up in the Lord?”
What is strange is that even though I get this question quite a bit, I actually sort of went blank during that particular moment. I guess I didn’t know where to start. But, I think today I realized that it has to be her example of serving the Lord without hesitation. For not allowing her fear of failure to dictate her decisions. For not only taking the “safe” ministry opportunities to protect her own name or reputation, but for taking the “risky” ones, too. So, Beena, if you’re reading all the way from Calcutta, I think that is my answer.
So when you do read this, Mom, and before you erase it, I want you to know I’m just so proud of you. I don’t say it enough. I love your purity of heart. I’m proud of you for not buckling under so much pressure or saying “no” to various ministry opportunities even if they are intimidating or even if they have potential to draw criticism. I’m proud of you for refusing to polarize or to let one group, sect, or denomination completely “own” you but to just serve in whatever capacity you are given. Today you are my hero.
I want to be like you when I grow up.
So, I’m praying along the same lines as Beena right now. I’m asking that the Lord would give my Mom a hug from me. If He can do it from Calcutta to Houston, I reckon He can do it from Atlanta to Washington D.C.
It’s a dangerous thing to leave the blog into the hands of the youngest daughter who happens to be a blog-co-contributor and who has all too often been known to have very little, if no filter at all. So don’t ask me any controversial theological questions, or I just might lose my job. Wink.
Much Love to You,
Melissa
P.S. This is the first time in about two weeks that I haven’t talked about Compassion. I think I’m going into withdrawals. Adding the link makes me feel a little bit better though. Can’t come off cold-turkey, right?
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Melissa,
What a perfect Mother’s Day gift to your Mom. You both are surely blessed. All I could ask as a mother is that my daughter grow up to be like you. I remember her saying in the Esther study that you are only as happy as your saddest child. So true. I’m sure your happiness and joy blesses her beyond imagination.
Melissa,
What an awesome Mother’s Day tribute to your mom. I am sure it will be her with the tears streaming down her face.It is every mom’s dream to have her children “rise up and call her blessed.”
Many of us have to wait years for that to happen.
I am so glad that Beena was able to connect with you.
You really did have a lot happen to you on your trip…
Kels
Love ya,
Kels
Melissa, Bless your sweet little heart. I didn’t get to hear your mom but we LOVE her here in South Bend,IN. By the way, what link could we go to?
Your mom is so awesome, so real. It’s because she has been through the ugly stuff like the rest of us, and understands. I prayed for the anointing to be so strong when she would speak. I’m Believing God(wink) it was. Blessings and many thanks to all of you. Beth come to Indiana!!!
Melissa you are your mother’s child! I know our mother is so proud of all your accomplishments. But as a mom myself I know she is just plain proud of you..period!
Thank you for sharing your heart!
jan floyd
Melissa, you are such a nut! I love that your mom is your hero, she is one of mine!
One of my favorite things I ever heard her say is, (paraphrased) “We like to put frosty lipstick on the face of Bible Study”
Yes Ma’am.
Your India trip has floored me; I never connect with other countries like I did with this one. But I have to tell you it was the stories you shared about the women there that believe in Jesus – how we are all the same.
The Pastors wife you wrote about in this last post, tears fell out of my eyes (I DON’T CRY) she was just so powerful. I imagined her doing your mom’s study, teaching it to others, tears falling from her eyes and ultimately how the connection of the LORD’s family, the blood line if you will – IS stronger than anything.
Blessings to you girl from one hard-headed daughter of the KING.
Siesta OC
I got to see your mom on the webcast from the conference room at my daughters’ school here in Atlanta. I’m hoping there is a transcript available somewhere, because I couldn’t take notes fast enough! She is always so inspiring. I’ve done many of her studies, and am currently doing the one from Deeper Still.
Thanks for sharing, and please do keep talking about India! My trip there was over 3 years ago, and it still keeps coming up in conversations. I often think my friends must be tired of me saying, “When I was in India…” but they tell me otherwise.
Melissa,
You are so much like your mom. You remind me of her at times. I think it’s the love. Packaged different, in a woman with unique gifts that are all your own, but it’s still there. Some strange ability that Beth has, that makes me feel like she actually loves me, for real, even though she has no idea who I am, even though we’ve never met. I feel that in your writings too.
I love girl.
Sara
I love your Mama too Melissa! Awesome post, I hope she keeps it up. 🙂
I was so happy that Travis has a “Twitter” account. I wasn’t able to watch but had a chance to peek on there and loved him sharing his notes. I loved these…
Beth Moore at NDP: Is what we are praying man’s will for God, or God’s will for man?
Beth Moore at NDP: No amt of atheism or humanism can keep us from revival. Only WE can keep us from revival.
Beth Moore at NDP: Take heart: God is not taking a vacation.
Thanks, Melissa for this post! I’m Praising God for introducing me to your mother through her Bible studies.
Much love, Angie in Michigan xoxo
Love this post, Melissa! And I loved all your posts from India. I know you’ve said your heart has been broken, and it shows. It’s a little sweeter, a little softer. Loved you before. Love you even more now. Praise you, Jesus!
Melissa thank you so much for this and all your posts and especially sharing Beena with us. I can’t tell you how many letters I have “thought” to your mom and never had the courage to send. I have the amazing privelage of going to Russia in June with a small group from my church. We have a sister church there and helped start 3 church plants that we will be visiting. I have found a place that has a few of Beth’s studies translated into Russian but we have struggled wondering if they would be able to relate. I can now say that from Beena’s words that is a big YES – her heart and God’s Word is understood in whatever language. I am more excited than ever knowing we will be able to share with them what has changed me for ever – studying God’s Word through your mom’s heart.
God Bless you sweet one, and don’t worry you have given your mother a wonderful Mother’s Day gift.
Mary in OK
Melissa, you made me cry – what a sweet tribute to your mom. I want to be like her when I grow up too (and I’m 43 years old). 😉
Jean
Melissa —
Can I just say that I LOVE your posts?!!?!! I have so enjoyed reading about your trip to India and about the work Compassion is doing. And it goes without saying that we all love your mom. Thanks for bragging on her. And thanks for sharing YOUR life with us.
Leigh Ann Long
Macon, Ga.
Awe soooo sweet.. You are going to be a great mom Mrs. Melissa
What a beautiful, touching post – words any mother would love to hear.
We received our sponsor packet today – our child is precious. Thank you for encouraging us to step out.
Your whole family is such a blessing and inspiration. Thank you.
What a beautiful tribute to your sweet mama. Thank you for sharing with the siestas here. It is such an honor to pray for you all and I just love mama Beth’s bible studies. She has taught me so much and helped me in so many ways.
We are so proud of you and just love you all.
We're proud of her too Melissa.
:~>
and by the by we're proud of her daughters also.
Becky/Brentwood
Melissa,
I just got home from the park in Lancaster, PA where your mom shared God’s Word with us at our National Day of Prayer gathering. I already loved your mom and considered her a spiritual mentor; but after tonight, I love her 10 times more. Let me tell you why…
This afternoon, I helped my 9, 7 and 5 yr. old daughters color a sign that said “Welcome to Lancaster, Siesta Beth”. They each signed the poster and when your mom was finished speaking, Sarah, the 5 yr. old and I, went around to the back of the stage hoping we could manage to give it to her. I knew she would probably be swamped and that she had an incredibly stressful, tiring week. She was having some pictures taken and being led away by the coordinators of the event, so I put my hand on the arm of one of the ladies and said, “excuse me – my daughters made this sign for Beth, could they give it to her?” They responded by saying she couldn’t take it on the plane (which I figured), but stopped her nevertheless. Your mom turned around and gave me a hug, bent down to my daughter and asked to see the sign. My Sarah proudly turned it around and your mom exclaimed over it and said “do you want to keep that or do you want me to take it… you choose.” Sarah pointed at her and spoke right up – “you take it!” Your mom immediately responded with, “I’m taking it then!” =)
All this long story, just to say… thank you for being tender with my baby, Beth! I know she was exhausted and on a busy schedule, but your mom still took time to receive a little child and bless another mom! May God bless you mightily for your humility and faithfulness, Siesta Beth. We love you!
Barbra Keeler
What a sweet testament to your mom’s fidelity to the Lord…. they shall be known by the fruits they bear. And…. just in time for Mother’s Day.
Several of us in the convent watched the National Day of Prayer events and we clapped and clapped for “our” Bethie.
We were so proud and so challenged and encouraged by her words.
May God be praised!
Sister Lynn
Yep, Melissa. You’re right. Your mom rocks!
Much love,
~Cheryl
Dear Melissa,
just wanted to let you know how much your post inspired me to sponser a child thru compassion. The Lord laid it on my heart to let my 4 year old lily kate to be involved in this too as a mission opportunity for her. So we went on the website and searched for girls her age and right away she picked Laura from Bolivia. I said are you sure, we looked at all the pics, she said yes, her. I want her to be my sister. (LK is adopted and we are praying for God to send her a baby sister or brother right now) We explained the difference but talked about how she is a sister in Christ. She was so excited we printed out Laura's pic and she took it to church Wed. night and showed everyone "Laura." We pray for her every day now. I explained to LK that Laura is poor and she said"we should mail her some money>" That is what we are going to do, I said. I can't wait to see how God uses this opportunity to serve Him in our families life and pray he plants a seed for missions and loving others deep in my daughters four year old heart. Maybe one day we will even get to meet her. May God be praised! Thanks for your encouraging example. I am a fellow Atlanta girl too!
Hugs,
Amy, mom of Lily Kate
How amazing is God’s timing?! You’re post brought tears to my eyes and they fell to my lap. Amazing! Don’t ever think you don’t have anything to contribute. What great timing this is being that Mother’s Day is Sunday. I’m in a small lady’s Bible study group and we are finishing up Daniel right now and your mom is one amazing lady. Thanks for expressing yourself so clearly.
your love jumps off this screen for your Momma…love it!!
Keeping Christ first and keeping Him real grew Beth, you and Amanda in His love and compassion. Yes, our Lord’s love radiates from Mama B and both her “baby girls” 🙂
Melissa~
You are as much a blessing to those of us who read this blog as your Mama is 🙂 I watched the whole National Day of Prayer of God TV today and your Mama was simply awesome, and I know she wasn’t comfortable but the Holy Spirit took over and she gave God the platform as always. God blessed everyone who heard her today. Thanks for being willing to share her with us and what kind of mama she has been so that those of us who are mothering can pray that we do it half as good as her 🙂
I actually got home a short while ago from the National Day of Prayer meeting in Lancaster, PA where your mom spoke this evening. She was as always a blessing and inspiration. I was fortunate enough to meet with her for a only a brief few moments after wards where she graciously allowed my best friend and I a photo opt. She’s as friendly and genuine as she appears on video. When you see her give her a hug for me and tell her it’s from the girls who had just finished the Believing God study last evening. 🙂
Melissa, I am really loving what you have to say. Every time I read one of your posts I get choked up. God is good! How amazing are the circumstances of you getting to meet Beena that I just have to say it again. God is good!
You’re mom is NOT going to erase this. I’m sure that her daughters’ praise and thanks completely fill her with joy:) I only hope my girls will one day be thankful for something that I’m doing right now in raising them and being faithful in the calling of the Lord. It’s tough.
Melissa,
Thank you so much for your post, tears welled up in my eyes. What blessing for Beth to receive such praise from her children. She has followed, lived and breathed the Word right into her children’s lives and God’s Word never returns void!
You have every right to be proud! Proud in a Godly way:) Boast because you know the Lord due to a Mom who has lived out her walk in front of your very eyes (and everyone else’s).
I am proud to have led a number of her studies over the years, proud to think of her as a big sister in Christ even though I have never met her. Her realness (and yours) is what touches people!
I so often praise God for her obedience to His call upon her life and continuously pray for her that she keeps obeying that call!
May God richly bless you and your family always! Thank you so much for your transpancy and for sharing your precious mother with the rest of the world!
P.S. Do y’all think you could download some of those events she spoke at?
What beautiful words written to your mom. And perfect timing too with Mother’s Day right around the corner :o)
Melissa, I love your posts!
I didn’t know who your Mom was until I took “Jesus the One and Only” 6 years ago. I’ve loved Him all of my life but I had decided after being a pastor’s wife (beaten up if that) for 13 years, that I wanted to be anonymous. And I did it well for quite a while. And then one particular day in church, I knew that God was absolutely telling me that I was to sign up for that course….”who is Beth Moore?”. Through that study, and many more that followed,
God retrieved me! He gave me a new
love for His Word, His people and for Himself. Your Mom is my most favorite Bible study writer and it’s not because I’m a groupie….it’s because she writes in such a way that you can’t believe that you’ve just spent almost an hour in homework, God works through her to deal with me one one one throughout each lesson time. She’s adorable, funny, brilliant, and most of all….she is a woman that lets God use her for His glory and His purposes.
I thank God for her as do the 300+ women that study along with her in our studies! I have a feeling that you just might grow up to be somewhat like her — only God is going to put the personal touches on who you are and how He uses you!
God’s blessing to you, Amanda and Beth! We prayed for her in study this morning and this evening that God would pull people to Himself through His Word, His teaching and
a personal relationship with Him.
She is precious and so are her girls! And what a precious thing that you are so very proud!
love-judy
Melissa – I attended the Living Proof Live in San Antonio last summer, & aside from how God so powerfully used your mom, it was fun that your family was all there as well. I've told friends several times of your mom, on her knees, saying to you & Amanda & your dad that it was her honor to serve you. I can't tell it without tearing up, & no one who hears it fails to be moved. Her ability to remain humble & do nothing but glorify the Lord is a gift to so many.
Melissa,
I’m sure someone else has told you this, but I don’t have time to read all the comments right now!
Nothing that you wrap or purchase for your mom for Mother’s Day will top this gift to her. To know your child sees something in you that they want to become is both humbling and exhilirating. Your mom will likely cry when she reads your public praise. How sweet of you to give this to her.
I am guessing that the things you praise your mother for are likely things she has prayed for even before you were born. Ironic that you would recognize it on the National Day of Prayer.
And Beena is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Melissa,
your post was truly beautiful! you guys rock!
love from Berryvile AR
Delilah
On other thought…the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman…that her children should rise up and call her blessed.
Bless your sweet heart…I think Calcutta made you a little sentimental. 🙂
One of the things I always think about when I think of your mom is her bravery. I want to be brave too, but I know I have a lot of growing to do. I love how she tells it like it is and doesn’t show any fear. She loves people and she loves God and she wants others to know and love God. She’s not afraid to tell them. It’s amazing!
Melissa,
I love that the blog is yours for now! Absolutely love reading your posts! Your tribute to your mom is very sweet…she is a blessed woman indeed.
I am so excited to hear your mom in Stockton, Ca. next month…I’ve done her studies since I was around 20 (the beginning of my walk with God) and I’ve learned SO MUCH from her! I can’t believe that I’ve never heard her in person…can’t wait!
She’s too busy bawling her eyes out and grinnin’ at the same time to delete the post! I am and I’ve never even met you. We all feel a little like Beena, I think. Though we have never met, our bonds are tight in the LORD!
Such wonderful words. Why are my eyelashes wet? Why does my monitor look blurry? Why did my heart skip a beat? I’m going to go hug and kiss my mom asap – I just can’t wait until Sunday to see her since I’ve read this post.
And…learning of you meeting Beena. Wow! I imagine that such encounters He provides are spiritually refreshing – so very much worth the semi-fishbowl-ly-ness you and Amanda have lived in through these years of ministry. (I would not have handled my teenage years so gracefully!) Your whole family and the entire Living Proof team are such a blessing. Melissa, thank you for being such a faithful daughter and thought-provoking writer. The LPM blog puts us all in this intersection for a wild ride together, doesn’t it?!
Lynnette in Houston
How AMAZING that God orchestrated that meeting between you and Beena! How many people are there in India, about a kajillion? And y’all ‘just happen’ to be in the same place at the same time?? Oh, man, God is so cool.
And when I first read this “Washington D.C. is not her lair” I read “Washington D.C. is not her hair” which I am sure is just as true!
Sweet, sweet mother’s day present, Melissa. Her children rise up and call her blessed.
Melissa,
My wife, Trachena and I just want to tell you that you should be very proud of your Mom. We are finishing Believing God on Sunday, Mothers Day, and have completed Daniel, Breaking Free, + she has done Stepping Up. We have grown in Him tremendously from all the teachings that we have received from her heart and soul. We can both tell you that your Mom is an amazing woman, after God's own heart. She is a hero to many, and you are very blessed to be part of such an anointed Legacy. Thank you for the GREAT work you are doing, and may He bless you and your family always!
Love,
Steve & Trachena Muchnick
Co-Founders/Surrender40
Melissa – You sing your Mama's praises as much as you want. She is deserving. I don't imagine she'll be erasing this….she knows a treasured moment when she sees one. 🙂
I love Beth & am proud of her too. God has used her courage & love of His Word to make all the difference in my life. I first "met" your mom 9 years ago when someone invited me to do 'Breaking Free' a few months after my little daughter had died. I was devastated & heart-broken and needed the balm that only the Lord can give. Your sweet Mama delivered & God has taken me into a life of service to Him I had never even knew to dream of before. He promised to "show" me how to live without my little girl & He started with Beth.
Hallelujah to His wonderful name!
As you can imagine, Mother's Day is a little tough for me. But I know what I know & the trials here are incomparable to what is to come.
So you love your Mama up and hold her tight. There is NOTHING like the love God gives between mother & daughter. I am forever grateful that I can say I know that for sure. 🙂
Blessings & Love….
I would venture to guess your mom is awfully proud of you too! I really needed to hear some of your words this morning. You all are amazing and just like Beena – I have never met any of you and yet feel like I know you all.
So here are hugs to Beth, Amanda and Melissa from Ohio.
Kim
Thank You for sharing a piece of your heart, I was very touch and encouraged by what you said. My hope is that I too will leave an immpression as such in my daughter’s lives.
I am So proud of your whole family! You all are a gift to us all! God has used LPM to change my life like no other! Like Beena I too want to send a hug… just from Georgia… but to your whole family!
Beena you are beautiful! : ) (if you read this!)
**Beth here is a little something for you to be proud of… I had commented on Pete’s blog and here is a little part of what he emailed me back! “Thank you so much. I had an absolute blast with Melissa over there. God is doing something special through that young lady.”**
So fun! I have to agree Melissa! Have a Blessed Day!
Emmy
What a wonderful, wonderful post!
🙂
Arlene
So guess what? I live in Lancaster and got to MEET your mom — I saw her after she spoke and got to say a quick hi and tell her that I’m a siesta who prays for her! I got some really sweet pictures of her (and even your dad and Travis, too) on my blog. Blessings to the whole Moore clan as you all celebrate Mothers Day with your wonderful mom this weekend!
Melissa, I was blessed to be in Lancaster, PA last night at the Celebration of Prayer that your mom was a part of. Your mother is indeed a remarkable woman of God. How blessed you and Amanda are to call her your mother! I just love how you guys love each other! I got all choked up reading your post. What a wonderful tribute right before Mother’s Day!
Oh, and thanks for keeping Compassion on our hearts and minds!
Much love,
Mary Lee
York, PA
Melissa … what a wonderful Mother’s Day gift. There isn’t anything sweeter than to say you want to grow up to be just like her.
Melissa, I love your blogs. They always come straight from your heart so they naturally minister to all of us and convict us if necessary. Thank you!!!
I wished I had known I could watch your Mom on the computer….although stupid me made a hair appt for yesterday at 2:00 pm so I probably would have missed it. That “crown of glory”
otherwise known as gray hair was making itself known at the root level. Can’t let that happen, gotta cover it up. So I didn’t get to hear anything on the Prayers that were said for our country.
I’m sure Beth did an awesome job, as she so openly lets God use her. I’m sure His voice was heard to those that “have ears to hear”. I pray for more of those ears here in America especially. If ever we needed to take II Chronicles 7:14 to heart, it is NOW!!!!!!!!! It amazes me how the closed countries are so eager to hear about Jesus and we so take it for granted in this country.
Rattled on long enough…..thanks again for the great post!!!
Blessings,
Bible Bunny in NO MI
There could be no better Mother’s Day gift than to have your child rise up and call you blessed! She would never in a million years erase such a heartfelt blog from such a feeling heart as yours, Melissa!! Your mama is indeed blessed to have two daughters who love the Lord and accept their legacy with such grace.
Melissa, What a wonderful tribute to your mom. Truth be known, she’s my hero, too. She is such an example to all of us.