It’s Mother’s Day, and on this happy occasion, I thought I’d share a little anecdote that relates to both my Mom and The Moody Church. Some of you know that my Mom attended Moody Bible Institute in the mid-70s, and she sang in the Moody Chorale as well. She’s always had a deep love for Chicago. So over the years, whenever my Dad had business in Chicago, my Mom would often accompany him, and if they happened to be here on a Sunday, they’d join The Moody Church for worship.
Anyhow, on January 4th, 2016, my folks were visiting Chicago and were right here at The Moody Church when Pastor Erwin Lutzer announced he would be retiring. Many of you will remember that day and the long search process that ensued. As my parents were driving home from Chicago, my Mom turned to my Dad and said something along the lines of, “You know, I think Philip might be a good fit at Moody.”
I didn’t learn about that conversation until months later. When I did hear about it, I chalked it up to the kind of thing any mom would say about their kid. But after four years, three invitations, and one pandemic, it turns out that my mother was onto something. She sensed something God was up to that took years to come to reality. Call it spiritual insight or maternal intuition, I find it remarkable and precious.
I’m grateful for a Mom who nurtured and raised me, loves and encourages me. I’m also thankful for a Mom who attends to the heart of God and senses what He is up to in the life of her child. When I look back on the journey God took our family on to bring us to The Moody Church, I often think, “Who would have ever imagined this would happen?” And the answer to that question is: Mom did.
So happy Mother’s Day, Mom! And to all the Mom’s out there: Remember, you are loved, more than you know!
