Today, my Mother, Carolyn Courtney, has a birthday! I love the way her birthday is October 10. I’ve always loved that. Her birthday is 10-10. It’s so ordered and alliterated, if numbers can be alliterated. It defines who she is perfectly. She is orderly, neat and complete! Even her birthday bespeaks that about her.
I’ve written about my Mom before here and here, but I could write many more posts about her and still never tell you all of her wonderful attributes.
My Mother knows no “excuses”. I’ve seen many folks stop various ministries, or not try to serve the Lord at all, because of weaker excuses than my Mom could come up with. I’ve known people who don’t go soul winning because they are tired. My Mom has gone every Tuesday night, after teaching school or working as an Elementary principal all day long. I remember that she didn’t make homemade biscuits or prepare fresh baked apple pies, because she used her time and energy to go out and witness for Jesus. Sometimes, she would buy clothes for a needy lady in our church. Every week, she and my Dad would prepare a sack of food and a note with a little money included and leave it outside my Pastor’s office door on Sunday mornings. My Mother has continued this loving gesture for Bro. Graham even now that Dad’s in Heaven. I remember my parents both memorizing this little poem. They recited it at breakfast many days, and I learned it too! It says: “It’s not what you’d do with a million, if riches should e’er be your lot. It’s what you’re doing at present, with the dollar and quarter you’ve got.” My Mom and Dad tried to use their “dollar and quarter” for the Lord, and for others. It has reaped them many heavenly dividends.
My Mom and Dad took a two mile walk together every morning at about 6:00. My Mother still rises early each day and walks her two miles, even though she walks alone. The reason she continues serving and walking alone, is because, in fact, she is not alone. My Saviour, whom she and Dad introduced to me years ago by living just like Him, is walking with her. While Dad had to move on to Heaven first, we know we will see him again someday. In the meantime, Jesus has promised to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). He will continue walking with Mom, and with me, until we see Him face to face.
If you don’t know for sure that you will be Heaven someday, please settle that question today. Click here for a video message that can clear up any doubts you may have about attaining salvation. This is what my Mom and my whole family live for.

Happy birthday, Mom! Thank you for walking faithfully through the trials of life. You are my inspiration when I get low. Thinking of you keeps me going when I would rather quit. I am so blessed to have been included in the Courtney family.