She asked about who my mom was and if I could describe her. Without even thinking, my first response of what distinguished my mami from the other host moms was this:
"Her name is Dona Ubelia. She talks about God all the time."
And that's really what describes my mama-tica. She loves God. When I think of her, the first thought isn't that she cooks amazing food or that she is a seamstress or that she loves being with and talking with friends and family. While those things describe facets of her character, the overwhelming defining characteristic is simply her devotion to and love for God. It's a love that touches all other aspects of her life.
Her love for God makes her a joyful servant. It causes her to rise early singing praises to Him and spend the day serving others in her social butterfly manner.
Her conversations are sprinkled with God and praise and thankfulness.
When people think of her, they think of her faith.
The focus is on the Lord, and not on herself.
Her life is a simple one. A quiet, unassuming, devoted life of service.
And while few know her name outside of her little Herediana neighborhood or her hometown of Tilaran, those who know her are touched by her quiet light. I was touched by her light.
Thinking of my mami, I have to ask myself; am I that person?
Do I speak of God with every waking breath?
Is He in my thoughts and on my heart with every waking step?
And sadly, the answer is no.
But I'm working on it.
"I press."
Some of my favorite Bible characters are women who are servants. In a Bible study with a friend we recently touched on one of my favorites: Dorcas.
"At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did..." - Acts 9.
And on her passing, people remembered her tangible acts of kindness, her service to others.
Phoebe's a good one too:
"I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also." - Romans 16:1-2
Ubelia is a woman like that.
So many examples. So much growth to accomplish. So ready keep pressing.
