When I think about heart people, my grandmother and mother always
come to mind. These two have been the queens of my heart for all of my life.
They have been the Martha and Mary that have impacted my life in ways that I
can't adequately put in words. If you don't know the story of Martha and Mary,
let me give you a brief synosis. Martha and Mary were two young women that knew
Jesus well. They were close friends of his and supported his life and
ministry--they were also the sisters of Lazarus. Martha, ran the household--she
made sure there was a meal to enjoy and a place where one could call home and
she made it feel like a sanctuary. On the other hand, Mary sat at the feet of
Jesus and listened. She is the one that anointed him with oil and encouraged
him. Adeline and Theresa, have been Martha and Mary to me. You may ask--which
one was Martha and which one was Mary? Each took on the roles of Martha and
Mary but never at the same time. I learned from them that you can take care of
the practical and yet be a very grounded spiritual woman.
My mom, Theresa G. Johnson was a visionary. She didn't miss anything.
She owned a pair of binoculars that she treasured. I believe those binoculars
were a reminder to look at your life upclose and personal then get on with it.
My mother dealt with health issues all of her life, but she hardly complained
about them. Mom knew what it meant to bless His name on a road filled with
suffering and she also knew the peace in the offering of that kind of worship.
She was a quiet maverick who made a way out of no way. She loved to cook and
clean (which she learned from her own mother) and she loved shoes and lingere.
She was proud to be called "God's woman" and for everyone that knew her--she was
their favorite person. I am so glad I was born to this woman.
My grandmother, Adeline P. Gregg was larger than life from my
perspective. She was one that recognized my musical gifts needed to be developed
and nurtured. She was the one that paid for my piano lessons and took me to
Mrs. Sumpter every week for those lessons. She was the one who bought a grand
piano so I would have the best to practice on. She was the one who took me to
choir rehearsal every week. She was the one who talked to me about God,
gardening, astrology, education, conducting yourself like a lady, friendship,
etc. Really no subject was off limits to her. She was a woman who was very
clear about who she was and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her loved
it. She did things on her own terms. She was as totally contained as a vault
of rare gems yet as totally accessible as the air. For my grandmother the truth
was uncomplicated--it needed to be spoken. For those of us who were raised by
her, she served as a role model of what family is really all about. Her own
mother died when she was 3 months old but she was a superb mother to 4 children,
13 grand children, 27 great grand children, and one great great grand child.
There are no great catherdals with her name on it, but with a grace oh so
exquisite she built a lasting foundation on the tablets of my heart.
These two women live on in me and I accept the mantle that both have
imparted in my life. Singing, Moma, Moma--you know I love you.
Moma, queen of my heart--your love sustained me from the start. I just want you to know--loving you is like food to my soul. This is Tuesday
Talk--I hope you heard me.
©2011 Theda Okona All Rights Reserved