Here goes a Twitter feed in which I’m going to say two or three things that are all highly inappropriate.
First, people who’ve achieved any level of fame (notoriety?) ought never to admit it or speak about it. But I will. Even though it’s only SBC-famous, I’ve gotten to know a lot of new friends in my denominational family over the past decade.
That means that I got a LOT of birthday greetings today from a lot of people who know me. I’m grateful for that. It’s been a privilege to get to know you all, and you make me optimistic about our future.
But instead of those greetings from folks who know me, the most important birthday conversation—the one that hurt me the most and that I cherish the most—was this morning with someone who didn’t know me at all.
She gave birth to me 50 years ago today. Disease in this fallen world has stolen her memory, especially on bad days. This morning was one of those. I got a birthday kiss, but only because I took it.
But that forced kiss and that non-acknowledgement of my birthday I cherish more than any of your birthday greetings. She doesn’t always remember me; but I never forget her.
My Dad, now gone 22 years, gave me a mind for theological inquiry, but my heart for Jesus and people–that’s all Mom. She taught me so much. How truly blessed I am.
So, my heart is full today. Thank you all for the birthday wishes. Today I honor the woman who braved an ice storm to get to the hospital and then labored to bring me into the world. I love you, Mom. Jesus will make us whole and bring us home.
