David Stahl, President of Kids Hope USA, talks about the uniqueness of a mom’s love.
DAVID STAHL
MinistryMatters.com

A unique love exists that only a mom can deliver. Not a love that is said; a love that happens. Notice it, and you’ll wonder if a divine moment just took place.

My daughter Erin called on a Thursday with jolting news; a car crash claimed the life of a college friend and seriously injured three others. The sound of her short, rapid breaths described the pain she and her sorority sisters felt. At times, there are just no words.

Two days later, my wife Becky and I drove to campus so we could cheer for our daughter’s tennis match. At the courts one could feel an undeniable heaviness; the team had decided to dedicate the match to the crash victims. Word spread, and soon young ladies from the sorority began to arrive. To cheer, maybe. To cope, hopefully. To show up, absolutely — being there, together, was something they could do to combat feeling empty.

Erin’s roommate Lily was the first to arrive. During our drive, she texted my wife “I need a mom today.”

Like a lost boat that finally spots a lighthouse, Lily went straight to my wife. For a long time, a very long time, they hugged while saying nothing. Tears. Light rubs. An embrace that would last as long as needed. When they released, Lily smiled. Then another girl came and did the same. And another. And another.

As this took place, I ignored the tennis match and considered taking off my shoes. The abundance of healing love flowing through Becky to girl after hurting girl must have come from the One who sees all tears; we were standing on holy ground. I couldn’t speak; I could only watch. At times, there are just no words.

Read more about two more sacred mother-daughter encounters.

Last Updated on May 8, 2017