Gift of Hugs
Hey beautiful ones,
March 1st ... first day of autumn/fall for us Down Under, but also my mums birthday. If she (Doreen Elizabeth McDonald) were still alive, she'd be 96 today.
Last week our crazy/fabulous Sydney girls had a BE THE CHANGE morning. In a nutshell we have weekly Sisterhood, then about three Sisterhood UNITED nights thru the year (so all the girls can come) and then we have these BTC mornings, which are becoming THE highlight. Last week over 1,000 women turned up for morning tea together, then they pretty much went out in force to (hello) "be the change" ... everything from cleaning houses (of people in the community who are struggling), to nursing homes, to packing our food bank, to writing letters to free women from imprisonment thru Voice of the Martyrs, to praying, to knitting for shelters/hospitals/homeless, to what else ... I think a team cleaned the Chapel cos UNITED recorded an acoustic album there last week & it needed some TLC ... to a whole bunch of stuff ...
So there was so much feedback (too much to convey), but one story reminded me of a moment with my mum, who in her latter days was stroke affected and very frail in a nursing home in New Zealand. My mum had a little bit of dementia. One time years ago, I rang her from Sydney and she said "oh darling, I was just talking to myself about you". Sometimes I tell that story and people don't know how to react, but those moments are precious memories that my real sister and I (and a few crazy friends) still smile affectionately about.
The memory that comes to mind however is that one November (2 months before she died), I was terribly burdened for her. I lived in Sydney, she in NZ - and for some reason I couldn't go visit. Can't remember why, but it kind of upset me. So I prayed and did what the bible says, "cast your burden". Anyway it lifted, life moved on. A couple of weeks later I ventured to the mailbox and here was a letter from a woman I didn't know. She was nurse in NZ, worked night shift at my mums nursing home. One evening late at night, they were attending to one of the precious women, when another woman on the other side of the room starting making distressed noises (my mum couldn't speak cos of the stroke). So these two beautiful nurses went over, began to pray and sing over her. Once she settled, they looked at the pinboard above her bed and all there was, was a Christmas card. (Okay, so if you are now bawling and thinking I am really mean or neglectful, please don't. Dementia patients have a tendency of giving everything away or at least mine did. My mum continually gave all personal things, including her wedding rings away, to who knows who).
So these dear nurses had looked at the Christmas card and one said, "I think that is the Houstons in Australia. I wonder if this lady is a relative". LONG STORY SHORT (sorry), she wrote to me not knowing it was my mum, not knowing that the moment they prayed for mum was the moment I had been burdened and unable to fly to be with her. The lovely nurse told me that "they had prayed and sung to this fragile little soul and that a beautiful peace had settled over her, that I didn't need to worry and that she would be alright now".
Okay, I'm bawling now ... but I SAID ALL THAT, to say that when we reach out and do the kind of things that are part of these "Be the Change mornings" for example, it matters! Last week in one of the nursing homes a bunch of our mums who home school, took their children and ministered at a local nursing home. I heard that one little girl went up to a dear heart and said "I have a gift of hugs". How cute. But apparently there was also one elderly woman who seemed so sad and distant, but when Amy (opera-Amy who often sings in the Colour openers and looks like Jennifer Aniston) sang "Amazing Grace" ... tears rolled down this "sad and distant" face and her whole countenance softened. Who but God above, knows or knew what was going on in her heart.
My friend Di Wilson used to call Nursing homes "heaven's waiting rooms" ... and sometimes they really are. And maybe they are waiting for someone like you and I to come along and minister some grace and tenderness while they wait. (I actually find it very disturbing how many have no one to visit them, even when they have living relatives. And to be honest, I guess that was my mum's story, but she did have my sister nearby who was awesome and I wanted to but couldn't jump that flight every week).
Anyway, could have written about anything I guess, but that moved my heart last Friday night and then I was reminded of my mum when I read the wee update story about Amy's song. Never underestimate the power of a hug, a smile, a gentle touch, a song sung in the night over a distressed soul.
By the way, not long after that, I went home to NZ. Spent a few days with my mum. She couldn't talk, so I talked for TWO days - told her everything about Sydney, the church, the kids, the house, the garden, the weather, Brian, the kids, the house, the garden ... and when I left, I put my face to hers (cos I kinda knew this might be my goodbye) and said, "oh mum, you're making me cry" ... and as clear as anything, she said "I don't want to". She'd heard everything I said and God graced her to articulate one last sentence.
I told her she needed to go home to heaven and that my sister, who hadn't yet come to Christ, would get saved and that I would take care of that ... and then sometime in January, she quietly departed this life for the world she was really created for. I was on a beach when my sister called. I was sad but not grief striken, because she had been promoted to heaven. At lunch that day I ordered a glass of champagne and toasted Doreen Elizabeth McDonald - beautiful, kind, gracious Doreen, who always put others before herself, who entered this world on March 1st, 1914 ... and I guess I'm making a toast to her again today.
Be blessed, be kind, be someone's hope and peace today.
Love, Bobbie
Your Testimonies
My Dear Precious Mother in the Faith and Joyful Servant of God, God has granted you and I believe Hillsong with many gifts and some being the "Ministry of Prescence, Touch, and Justice" You have been a blessing to my life I can see you on TBN now Praise God even though I am very far away in Ohio I feel a kinship with your church, you and Brian. your story made me think of my grandma would died in 2002 but loved God and had the voice of an angel and now she is praising God with them. God uses us in amazing ways if we obey and a lot of times in the ministry of touch. God has touched us in even our untouchable times and how much more do others need that especially what the world views as the "forgotten or untouchables" like those in senior homes, or the disabled, etc. God is everywhere and can speak to someone in so many different ways and I believe with you at the last He spoke to and reassured your mother. Sorry for your pain. God Bless you. Don't be weary in well doing! Can't wait to hear how God will use you and your church in His next move in the earth! Love your little sister in Christ from the States :)
Sweet Bobbie, your words are such a comfort for every situation i've been living. To read about your mum's story made me think that we have so many things to do and sometimes we are limited in our place or in our financial condicional but maybe if we decided go to visit someone close [or no] of us or a needed and manifest our love for them through a hug, kiss, Jesus' words surely they will not be the same. My prayer is God keep using you lovely one to touch our hearts and bless others and I believe that He will!
So much love!
Xoxoxo
I love u guys i am in SA in THE ACTIVE CHURCH and i am loveing them to i just want to say god is good all the time John 3 V 16
morning Bobbie thank you for sharing that piece with us all just found out my motherinlaw had a minor stroke can you & the team please pray for her.Thankyou for being a everyday girl,thankyou 4 sisterhood,thankyou 4COLOUR but most of all THANKYOU 4 allowing me to see who my real FATHER IS& WILL BE forever.
que Deus continuie te abençoando ,e a todos que estao juntos nesse trabalho para o senhor.
Thank you for this blog , reminds me of my own mom whos with The Lord now..Thank God for mothers for all they are a blessing to us all.
Bobbie, just want to say thank you to you and every one at the hillsong church the members of the united band and the members of the adult praise team myself and my sisters will continually be grateful to you guys has you have helped us in tremendous ways. Just read your post and I almost started bawling myself. We live in Lagos Nigeris and we really do not have the priviledge to attend your programmes but we watch Pastor Brian on TV and we buy and listen to the hillsong CDs. We have lost both our parents and I can understand what you mean. Just want you to know that it was the songs written by your praise team that got us through the hard times. After my mom died this was 2weeks before xmas in 2002, we all used to have nightmares and we couldnt sleep it was the songs that got us through those times we would listen to the CDs (especially shout to the lord 2000) sing, shout dance and be happy it was only after this that any of us could sleep after my died dad too(in late 2006) we would still listen to songs from your church and sing, dance and be happy it was these things that got us through the most difficult periods in our lives. Even now when I am low and just dont have the desire or the energy to pray I just put in a CD and listen and it always makes me better and I can pray after this. I have considered relocating to Australia just so I can attend services, programmes and enrole in the school. I hope one day I will be able to achieve this and to repay you guys in some way. I am just writing this to let you and your Husband and Kids and every member of Hillsong church know how you have blessed people's lives. We love and we hope you guys will come to Nigeria some day. Adesola
hey bobbie,
my name is Tylana and i went to the colour conference this year. Your are amazing. At school, i am trying to raise money for the women without a face, like on the video clip you sjowed at colour and i was just wondering where i could find that clip???
Thanks
After not seeing my beloved grandmother for 3yrs due to her illness & giving birth to my first daughter. I had dreamed of the day when she would hold her, so after 3yrs I walked into her room she looked up at me with her blue pool eyes and called my name (tears) she held my daughter , her great - grand daughter. After I received Christ...in simple prayer or question to God "Is grandma with you" I didn't really know she was a believer...His peace was a beautiful response to my answer. I look forward to seeing Mary Stewart Lancon in eternity...
Bobbie,Thank you for what you have shared.I have a mum who is 96yrs old who resides in Malaysia.Like many it is not always possible to go and visit but thank God for skype so I get to see her eventhough she can't hear me well.I have the most amazing mum whom I have grown up with and never hear her say that anything is too difficult and she has truly demonstrated the Prov 31 woman who stretches her hand out to whatever the need is.She has taught me many lessons in life but one that stands out the most is to always available for others and never to live just for oneself and even til this day in her frailty she is constantly enquiring of others.Though she is not saved YET..............I know my prayers for her salvation is heard by our loving heavenly Father and I am believing for her salvation bec nothing is too late for God.At the age of 94 when i had the oppourtunity to go and visit her she was sewing quilt blanket to want to give to the poor.
Yes i pray that we wll always be mindful to show love and acceptance to our loved ones and also to those God brings across our path and lives.I am so thankful as a group of ordinary women we can actually do extraordinary things...........
jennifer
I have just returned from colour 2010. I hadn't been keen on going this year as my father who has alzheimers (however you spell it) had only a couple of days to live and I really wanted to be there with him. I did go in the end and was blessed amazingly. God obviously wanted me to be there this year. My father passed away two days after I returned and I did get to spend a complete day with him at the end. I also felt sad but not grief stricken because now my father is in heaven also. Thankyou for your story as it is very similar to mine and it has encouraged me to remember we have a purpose while we are here on earth. Dad is now perfect in heaven and I have a job here on earth to do. Colour was amazing thankyou all for the inspiration that you are.
Bobbie, what a warm and kind blog your have written about your Mum! I want to be a Mum and Nanna who is loved and looked after just like her! My beautiful daughter lives near you in Sydney and my second beautiful daughter lives with her 3 little children and husband here near me in South Africa. What a blessing they both are to my husband and me.
I love following your sisterhood information. Putting some of it into practice in this sad country gives me great joy. You are an inspiration to women around the world. God bless you always!
Why is it that whenever I hear you speak or write I need to get out the kleenex? Finally God seems to be opening my heart, through you, to the love that He has for the world and the things He wants the sisters to do. While writing this I am listening to Donna Crouch and the "Whatever it takes Generation" - thank your whole group for all that you build in to us
Thank you for being so faithful with what God has put in your hand and heart. Thank you for reminding us that we matter and have a role to play. Thank you for really genuinely believing is us, despite having never met us all. Thank you for stirring us and not letting us remain comfortable or become complacent. God is truly on you and the ministry He has entrusted to you. How greatly God is blessing many through you.
X
Thank you Bobbie, I so hear your heart through your words as the tears fell from my eyes, it is so encouraging to be reminded that what we believe are the smallest of things - a smile, a hug, a meal, a kind word..........when done in obedience to a Mighty God can have Eternal Impact. I thank you that I in Tasmania can share with the 'Sisterhood' of women through this site, what a blessing. Love Jacqui x
Bobbie - I wanted to thank you personally for being a role model for me. I wish so much that I could attend your events but I live across the world from you! I am so inspired by what you do with the Colour Sisterhood. It is completely in line with the vision that God has given a group of us girls here in Florida. Our organization is called For the Girls International - web www.ftgi.org Thank you for doing what you do, for being so real and for making such a huge impact on people you've never met! Hopefully we'll meet in heaven if not before :)
Bobbie - wonderful to hear the story about your Mum. I am so blessed as I have been bringing my mum to Colour for the last 5 years. She is nearly 80 now and loves coming along even though the trip from Brisbane is getting harder. This year we had to use the TLC area for the first time and I am very thankful for that - that means she feels confident to come along in the future knowing that she will be looked after like that. Love - B
I am reading this at work and trying so hard not to cry!
Thanks you for sharing such a special, beautiful story!
Bobbie, this is wonderfull. You have always been an inspiration to me, and i just want to say a BIG THANKYOU TO God for YOU, because you truelly are a GIFT, to not only me, but many others as well. You being yourself has given me the freedom to be myself. Thankyou. I am part of Hillsong London, and have been for nearly six years, i love Church so much and my life has changed so much since being a part of Hillsong.
I was listening to one of your messages and heard you say 'I volunteer my heart, the women in our Church' You volunteered your heart to God on behalf of everyone else, and i did the same thing last year and recently again. I love that statement, its so deep, my past is not very pleasant, but Jesus took me in my mess and Loved me, healed me (still in that process), restoring me, etc, i want Him to use my life to touch the hurting the way God has touched mine, and so i volunteer my heart, there have been challenges at times but I am learning so much, and i know its all worth it!!!
Thankyou so much for being the Amazing and gentle person you are, you have been an inspiration to me beyond any words could say :-)
P.s. Thankyou also for rising up depsite the obstacles :-)
S
Hi Bobbie,
Thank you for sharing about your mother. I was able to lead my mum to the lord. Six months before she died of cancer. It is so rewarding knowing that we will be reunited with them when we go to heaven.
Looking forward to attending colour in 24 hours
Take Care
Alexis
Bobbie,
Thanks for your openness and honesty. The picture that you discribed of your mum at the nursing home just brought me to tears. I have to admit that it affected me more than it should have and that is because my Mum is also living in NZ, widowed with no close family living nearby, while I am here in Sydney unable to see her whenever I want.
However she will be here for Colour and arrives in just a couple of days to be at the second conference with her grand daughter and myself. While she is at conference she will be celebrating her 80th birthday on the Saturday!
So thankyou not only for the Sisterhood that helps people over seas and in our own neighbourhood but also helps natural families enjoy being part of that change together.
bobbie, you are such an inspiration for women all over the world! i pray God will continue giving you the strength to keep doing wonderful things. im seventeen years old and you are a true role model for me! Gob bless you <3
My heart is breaking reading your story but it is also singing for joy because we all have it within us to reach out to someone, to touch someone's life & very likely, change their world. If we all take that time, sometimes it only takes 5 minutes, then this world would be a happier place & more people would know the grace of our amazing Jesus. As I am unable to attend Colour this year, I am "playing my part" by sending items with a friend. May they bless those whose hands they are given to. God bless you Bobbie :-) Jodie - Bundaberg, QLD
My Mum is not a Christian per se although she did accept Christ at a raly we had at what was CLC Waterloo years ago. I have been with our church for 25 years but the role model she has been to me has been more Christ like then many professed Christians who have come and gone in my life. She is in her 70s yet she spends her mornings at " Meals on Wheels" and her afternoons spoon feeding the frail women in a nursing home ,daiy, on a voluntary basis. These women have families that are too busy to visit them..........and my mum is the great servant who never looks for thanks or applaud even when her service has keep many of these women alive. She lives for others and I thank God for my Mum.
thank you for sharing your mom's beautiful moments with me- it made me giggle, cry, gasp with suprise and cry some more! The suprise was because i have just said farewell to my battle weary soldier- we buried my dad after struggling with a terminal illness for 7 months. He struggled all of his life & never thought himself worthy of God's Amazing Grace- then in December last year, he had an awesome encounter with God, as i sang the hymn (Amazing Grace) to him while massaging his swollen & painful feet & legs. The days & weeks that followed often found me at his bedside in hospital or watching over him through long & difficult nights- i would sing Amazing Grace to him & he would become peaceful and hum along, even when his body was riddled with discomfort. The awesome part of all of this is that I have never been to your website, until now- (i was looking for lyrics to some of my favourite Hillsongs- which i need for my vocal lessons- and saw your link on the home page). Last year, October, i decided to take vocal lessons because i heard God say that i needed to prepare so that i could sing Amazing Grace to my dad. We bid him farewell on the24 February 2010- he received a military salute at his funeral, even though he was never part of the military! I had the priviledge of delivering his Eulogy and managed to sing the first 2 stanzas of Amazing Grace to honour him and his acceptance of Jesus as his Saviour! I am humbled by God's Amazing Grace and forever thankful for helping me to "be the change" in the life of my brave warrior- Douglas Edward Scullard- i salute you!
Oh Bobbie, I did cry as I read your blog about your Mum but not because mine has gone to be with the Lord, rather because she is interstate and I can't always be with her when I would like to be. Yet, I have so many opportunities to love in person right where I am! I pray that all the daughters can remember to be creative in their loving, just like our dear Jesus is in his loving of us. Can't wait to be in Sydney with you all next week! Love Carolyn.
Bobbie- Thank you, for sharing this sweet account of BTC and also of your mother. It really spoke to me as being a gal that has lost her mother as well. We are not guaranteed our tomorrow, and we must love each person around us each day! Thank you once again, many blessings upon you and the team as you prepare for Colour 2010! I can't wait to hear the reports. Love - B
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