A little over a week ago I lost a sweet friend and sister in Christ. Everyone called her Mama Gay and that suited her well, for she seemed to love everyone as a mother would.
I wouldn’t begin to guess how many people she encouraged and influenced during her lifetime. I only know I was one of them. So was my husband and so was my son Alex.
I remember one Sunday afternoon after worship Robert told me some funny something Gay had said to him. At that time, we had not been attending Hillcrest for very long. I was really surprised that the two of them had a conversation.
Robert laughed when I said that. He informed me that he had known her a lot longer than he had known me. As it turned out, they worked at some of the same places. They really did know each other.
If we ever had a fellowship meal and Robert didn’t come, Mama Gay would hand me a take-out container and tell me to ‘fix her boyfriend a plate to take home.’ She wanted to make sure he would have something to eat.
The first time I did that, Robert thanked me. I told him it was from his ‘girlfriend.’ He knew immediately who I meant. It did Robert a world of good to know she had thought of him.
Gay always encouraged me. She and her sister, Joy helped me build up my confidence. This gave me a desire to grow spiritually. It led me to participate in more and more activities at Hillcrest.
She often called to check on her church family when one of us were sick. She helped us all keep up with one another and that was a blessing to many of us. I think Mama Gay helped us all feel connected.
She was a great cook and many folks benefitted from her talent. I remember after Aaron was born, she brought Robert and me supper one night. I can’t tell you how much it was appreciated! But then again, some of you may know. You may have a ‘Mama Gay’ in your church family too!
My middle son, Alex loved Mama Gay. She was so good to him. The two of them were close. She had a very special way with young people.
I think sometimes we forget to tell people how much they mean to us. We forget to let them know what a delight it is to know them. I wish I’d told Gay more often.
Mama Gay loved her family so much. She loved her church family too. But more than anything she loved God. She has won her reward. She is with our loving Heavenly Father now.
Thank you, Mama Gay for all your work in God’s kingdom.
Psalm 118:20- This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it.
