by Chandra Peele

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.—Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 (NIV)

When I read these verses, the first thought that came to me was—my firstborn. They were twin boys: Chad Preston and Bradley Joe. What had been the excitement of our lives for months was over after hours of an agonizing delivery. Twin A (written on the birth certificate) died before he was born. Twin B died after only a few shallow breaths. I declared in the midst of this difficult circumstance that I never wanted to conceive again. I couldn’t stand the thought of burying another child—but God had a plan.

Three short months later my time to mourn turned into a time to dance! Nine months later, Lindsey Nicole was born. There had never been a sweeter sound than the loud cry as they announced, “It’s a girl!” Within moments she was calm and quiet, safe and loved as she rested against my chest. I was finally a mom!

Twenty-seven months later, 3 days before Christmas, our sweet Holly Noelle was born. She was so tiny that she fit in her daddy’s hand like a football. Joy filled our hearts! Our family was complete.

Oh, wait . . . no it wasn’t!

This past year Lindsey (26) married Bryan. Holly (24) married Caleb. Now, we’re looking forward to grandbabies. I know they’re only newlyweds, but a mama can dream!

The birth of a child is like the seasons of a garden. They sprout up; we love and nurture, teach and discipline them. Then, in the blink of an eye, they uproot and begin to plant a garden of their own. It’s a bittersweet season, but it’s what we hoped for.

God’s Plan for Our Seasons

A time to keep and a time to throw away.—Ecclesiastes 3:6 (NIV)

While cleaning out closets, I stumbled upon an old photo album of Bruce and me when we were dating and another filled with pictures of the girls. Like pushing rewind, the past 31 years flashed through my mind. Seasons come and go, and now it’s just the 2 of us again. But as I praised the Lord for the memories I will keep, I was reminded—no matter what season I’m in, I’ll always be Lindsey and Holly’s mom!

  • One of the most precious gifts the Lord has given me is the blessing of 2 beautiful daughters.
  • Another is having a beautiful mom who passed on the godly legacy of Church Ladies past.
  • Yet another is the promise of heaven where I know I’ll see my boys again.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,  “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”—Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

May the Lord’s Word remind you that no matter what season you’re in—He has a plan!

Happy Mother’s Day Church Lady! Now . . . go call your mother.

Chandra Peele is the author of Church Lady: Freed to Be a Woman of God.

She has been endorsed by pastor and author Max Lucado; Christian contemporary recording artist Natalie Grant; author and speaker Jennifer Kennedy Dean; and many others. Chandra is a dynamic speaker who has a passion for Jesus that is contagious!

Through her ministry, she encourages women to live with peace, hope, and joy while experiencing the true freedom that comes when we step into God’s amazing grace. She and her husband, Bruce, live in Houston, Texas.

Scripture quotations from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.