Naleighna Kai's Literary Cafe Magazine NK Literary Cafe 2018 Mother's Day Issue | Page 10

Tribute to an Extraordinary Woman
There are so many ways in which my mother
impacted my life, but I’ll share the two most
important ones. She taught me, first, the
importance of having a relationship with God,
and to trust Him in all things, even when life
looks a mess. I’d like to say that I’ve mastered this,
but that wouldn’t be the truth. Yet, I remember
how she always used to do it, seemingly with
ease, and it reminds me to snuggle a little closer
in the Father’s arms. Whatever decisions you
make, don’t compromise your faith. These
words have been ingrained in my heart, and by
applying them to every area of my life, they have
helped me to make better choices and avoid a
whole lot of pitfalls.
The second most important life lesson she
taught me was the power of love and forgiveness.
Tough, I know. Mom not only said the words, but
she also lived them in some of the most difficult
situations. I didn’t understand how she could
do it and she was more than happy to explain.
Remember that first lesson? Well, in order to
truly do this, you have to do number one. Are
you kidding me? (Insert teenage eye-roll here.)
Now, as an adult, I’ve had the “aha” moment.
And you know what? She was absolutely right.
Again.
These are the core values that have shaped the
woman I am today. It’s been said that a mother’s
heart is the child’s classroom. I thank God for
blessing me to sit at the feet of Mary Phillips
and learn from her. Her constant words of
encouragement still sustain me, even though
she is no longer here to speak them. She was a
portrait of a godly woman, my prayer warrior,
confidante, counselor, best friend, and I couldn’t
be prouder to be her daughter.
Sheryl Lister has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can
remember. She writes contemporary and inspirational romance and
romantic suspense. She been nominated for an Emma Award, RT Reviewer’s
Choice Award and named BRAB’s 2015 Best New Author. When she’s not
reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her
husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-sized desserts. Sheryl
resides in California and is a wife, mother of three daughters and a son-in-
love, and grandmother to two very special little boys.
10 | NKLC Magazine
The latest
Harlequin Romance
from bestselling
author Sheryl Lister