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"Norman Vincent Peale & His Mother" - - by Rev. Weldon Bares

For many years, Norman Vincent Peale was the pastor of a famous church on Fifth Avenue in New York City. He wrote a book that was read by millions of people, “The Power of Positive Thinking.” I have read it probably 10 times.

When he was a young pastor in the church, his mother passed away. He got the phone call late at night. He was so brokenhearted. He got in his car and drove to his church. He went inside the sanctuary and stood behind the pulpit, and he bowed his head.

He did that for a reason. His mother had always told him, “Norman, every time that you stand in the pulpit to preach, I will always be very close to you.”

Dr. Peale said that as he stood there behind the pulpit, he felt two hands holding his head. For the rest of his life, he was convinced that those were the precious hands of his godly mother. The influence and the comfort of a godly mother can be felt even beyond the grave.

On Mother’s Day this Sunday, I will think about my mother, and how much I miss her. She was my number one cheerleader. She always wanted to hear about my sermon and how the church services went. She always wanted a copy of each Sunday’s worship bulletin. That’s how she was with my four brothers as well. I will always remember her prayers for us and her godly example. I sure do miss her. I can’t wait to see her again on the other side.

The scripture says it like this, “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” (Proverbs 31:28)

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