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Introduction


Cindy Carlene Phillips was a remarkable woman. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and teacher; but most importantly, she was a Christian and not one of those “Jesus fans”, but an actual Christ follower. She accepted all people no matter the race, gender, sexuality, or nationality. Once, she reached out to you, your life was forever changed for the better. Her 52 years of life were a testimony of our God and his goodness.

To me this remarkable woman was more than just some person. She was my hero, my inspiration; she made me want to be a better person. She encouraged me to strive to exceed excellence in every area of my life. She was my mom.  Mom had an extraordinary gift she was able to reach people who didn’t want to be reached. She had this remarkable glow that always made you smile. She loved people because her Jesus loves people. Even on her death bed she spoke of God’s goodness, mercy, and love. Because of my mom’s faith, I was apart of a miracle when she died. In the darkest hour of my life my mom remained faithful and her light continued to shine.

Sadly, once she was gone I got caught up in the things of this world. The routine, get up, go to work, eat, sleep, and then repeat… Somehow that light began to fade away. The dimmer the light became the sadder I became. My mom was gone forever and a part of me seemed lost without her. She was the person who wiped away my tears, cleaned my cuts, and kissed my boo boos. I mean, how am I suppose to do this without her?

Fortunately, I was given an opportunity to be surrounded by a room filled with Godly women. Everyday women who have been through incredible hardships but because of God they have beautiful testimonies as a result. In that moment God reminded me He was my joy and the same glow my mom had; I have through him.

For a long time now I’ve been crippled by fear. Afraid to have joy in my life, afraid I’ll lose another loved one. Worried I won’t be good enough. I even struggled with my identity because when I lost her, I felt as though I lost myself. I need to restore my joy, my hope, and my love for others.

My mom use to say she loved when God chose her to bless others. She would say it was a greater blessing to be the blesser than to be blessed. She loved when God gave her people to bless. So in memory of my mom I’m going to begin restoring my joy. For the next 52 weeks (each week will be in memory of a year of my mother’s life) I’m going to bless someone God places in my life. A blessing might be something simple like sending an encouraging card, or something extravagant like giving away a car. No matter what the blessing will be I’m hoping that by this time next year I will be a happier me, but most importantly I hope to find that same glow my mother had.

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