When Ruby Prayed...God Listened

This week's quote is:

"Momma prayed, momma cried, momma laid awake at night.
She would fight my battles while I slept away
Cause momma knew life is hard
without somebody on your side
I don't know how, but there is power in the way,
The way my momma prayed."

words and music by Jeremiah Olson of 40milesNorth

Her name was Ruby. I first met her at the altar as a teenager. I was a Christian, but struggling with life issues including abuse and desperately desiring to grow closer to the Lord. Ruby, a grandmotherly figure, came and knelt beside me, laying hands on my head and praying for me.

She had no children of her own, but she became my surrogate mother, my prayer warrior, mentor and spiritual advisor. She was always there for me if I needed to talk or if I needed a shoulder to cry on. And Ruby always had a verse for me from God's word to help me along. If anyone prayed for me in the way Jeremiah Olson sings about, it was Ruby.

My own parents were embarrassed by my faith and my father was terrified I would reveal the hush-hush episodes of childhood abuse. I had been labeled a fanatic by my friends' parents and was forbidden to hang out with my two best Christian friends. I suppose all the adults hoped we would be more like "normal" teens if they could separate us.

When I spoke of my dream to become a missionary, Mom and Dad ignored my comments and downplayed my desires. There was no money for me to go to college, they said, even though my grades were high and my counselors strongly recommended higher education.

But Ruby listened to me. She supported and encouraged me to trust God. She rejoiced with me when my heavenly Father opened the door for me to go to Bible College. She laughed out loud when introduced to my husband who had aspirations of becoming a minister.

Then the neatest thing happened - Ruby became a spiritual friend and mentor to my mom as well. Years after I left home and went into ministry, God used Ruby to pray for and befriend my mother Ruby fanned the spiritual coals smoldering in Mom's heart until they burst into flame.

I thank God for Ruby - though she had no children of her own, she had more spiritual children than most people I know. She prayed, cried and lay awake at night fighting battles while I slept because she knew life was hard. I thank God there was so much power in the way she prayed.

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This week, Heather is hosting "In 'Other' Words" at her site, Titus 2 Woman. If you'd like to participate along with us, simply blog about the quote on your blog site, then skip on over to Heather's site and leave your blog URL. Check out her thoughts on the quote and visit the other participants as well!
I can't wait to see what everyone writes for this week's In "other" Words...