Happy Birthday, Mom! (August 4, 2018)

So yes, this is a bit of self indulgence for me as I wish happy birthday to my mom, Fondanell Edwards, who was born on August 4, 1922. We lost my mom in September of 2011, but she lived a good, long life and was able to live at home and care for herself until the last day of her life.

I miss her of course. She was a strong presence in my life in every good way. Most importantly, she made certain I was raised in the fellowship of good Christian people in two strong churches while I was living under her roof. She affirmed and encouraged my faith as I began to make it my own, and when I sensed God’s call to ministry, she was my biggest supporter.

In so many ways she was a typical Christian mom who loved her family and did her best to live in a way to honor the Lord and bless those she loved. She may be very much like your mom or, if you are a mom, very much like you. It’s not likely that anyone will ever write a biography of her life, but her influence probably exceeds what anyone here might think or guess. That, again, is probably like many of you reading this.

My mom loved people. I tell people that my theology and understanding of God’s love for people drives my own love for people, but I have to also confess that I have always been like my mom in that sense. I tend to like everyone.

I’m writing this now in honor of her 96th birthday because the weekly newsletter I send out just happens to fall on her birthday this year. I wish she were still here to know some new additions to her family, including our first two grandchildren. She would enjoy them.

Happy birthday, Mom! Thank you for all you did and are still doing for me!

Rick Edwards
Author, Speaker, Bible Teacher

See a list of other articles by Rick Edwards.