I remember the day my mother and I surprised each other with an Avon perfume sample. In my memory the incident happened in the summer, and I was about eight years old. That meant my mother would have been pregnant with my brother Roy, her fifth child.
The Avon lady’s visit
I was playing dolls at my friend’s house when the Avon lady called. My friend and I watched the sales presentation, and the Avon lady kindly offered us each a perfume sample.
I was thrilled. A sophisticated, grownup lady’s gift! I could give it to my mom! I was so excited, I left my friend and ran home.
Planning to surprise my mom
In my mind, I rehearsed the way I would present this special gift. First, I would find my mom working somewhere in the house. (She was always working.) Then I would keep the perfume hidden behind my back while I sang a song I had learned. Then I would hand her the perfume. She would be astonished. Her eyes would light up, and she would put the perfume in her dresser drawer. Then she would wear it on Sunday when she dressed up to go to church.
Giving the gift
So I found my mother, as planned, and told her I had a surprise. She laid aside her mending to give me her full attention, while I hid the gift behind my back and sang my song:
“Because I love you, Mother Dear,
Each day I’ll try to be
As gentle, loving, good and kind
As you always are to me.’’
With a flourish, I handed Mom the perfume.
The surprise was on me
She burst into tears.
I was horrified.
“Why are you crying?’’ I asked.
She just cried more.
Finally she said, “Honey, I don’t feel like I’ve been very gentle, loving, good or kind lately. I feel like I haven’t been the mother I want to be for my children.’’
Mom’s gift
What a gift my mother gave me with her tears that day! Children see their parents as godlike, but that day my mother let me see how human she was. That day my mother let me look straight into her soul, to see how much she longed to get her mouth in sync with her heart, how much she yearned to match her attitudes and actions with her desire to love her children well.
And I felt so beloved! I felt so cherished!
What Jesus said
Two thousand years ago, Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’’ (Matthew 5:3 NIV).
This is a truth of the spiritual realm, a mystery that I experienced that long-ago day when I gave my mother the Avon perfume sample. For when Mom revealed to me her poverty, she made both of us rich.
Today’s prayer
“Dear God, help me to see and admit my lack so that I can reach out with empty hands to receive Your supply. Amen.”
© Becky Cerling Powers 1998
Naming Grace: reflections from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/21/2023
Cancan: Mother's (& Father's) Day reflections from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings and Becky Cerling Powers
5/14/2023
Teaching a 10-Year-Old to Drive (and Related Lessons): from the Bible Powerline
Sue Cameron
4/24/2023
Losing Poetry: insights from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/7/2023
Figuring Out Fasting: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
3/26/2023
Anxiety List Prayer: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
1/8/2023
Dad's Problem Solution Method
Becky Cerling Powers with Bob Cerling
1/1/2023
Christmas Gift Exchange
Sue Cameron
12/13/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in December: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2022
Best Toys This Season are Simple: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/25/2022
Gimme a Little Kiss: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
11/5/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in November: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/1/2022
Surviving the Japanese Occupation: insights from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/25/2022
Are Parents Sculptors or Gardeners? Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/15/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in October: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/2/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/1/2022
What the Animals Taught Adam: from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/30/2022
Figuring Out a Child's Learning Style: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/20/2022
Like the Wind: reflections on spiritual warfare
Laura Jane Eberhardt Cerling
8/12/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/1/2022
Enlighten the Eyes of my Heart: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/23/2022
Making Bible Milk: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/17/2022
The Interrogation of Divine Promise: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/10/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/2/2022
When Healing Hurts: reflections on spiritual warfare in pain
Becky Cerling Powers
6/15/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/1/2022
Truce for Sibling Wars: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
5/19/2022
Aunt Laura's Advice: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
5/8/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/1/2022
Safe Amid Snakes and Semi-Trucks: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/26/2022
Dead Squirrel Forgiveness: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/17/2022
Forgiving Grandmother Eberhardt: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/12/2022
Rosebud's Interrogation: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/5/2022
New Bride Confusion: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/4/2022
Toddlers Helping: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/21/2022
Lament - Complaining as Worship: reflections on spiritual warfare in grief & anger
Becky Cerling Powers
3/16/2022
A Dream That Changed Me: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
3/9/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in March: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/1/2022
Preventing Parent Burnout: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/7/2022
Playing Games with Kids: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/6/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in February: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/1/2022
Family Conflict, Family Struggles: reflections on spiritual warfare, beginning
Becky Cerling Powers
1/22/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in January: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2022
Neighborhood Yeast: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/27/2021
Children of the Heavenly Father: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2021
Christmas Contentment: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/11/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in December: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2021
Pied Piper Dad: memorial and parenting reflections from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2021
Golden Rule Respect: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in November: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/4/2021
Enjoying Money Without Spending it: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/14/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in October: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2021
Yes Means Yes, No Means No: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2021
The Tire 'Em Out Principle for Long Trips and Schoolwork: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/18/2021
Family Treasure Hunts: parenting insights from the parent powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/12/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/1/2021
The Handy Dandy Adaptable Review Game, Cooperation Concentration: Parent Powerline insights
Becky Cerling Powers
8/2/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/30/2021
Camping with Kids: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/28/2021
Hymn for a Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
7/22/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/1/2021
In Sickness or in Health: a faith based Father's Day Story from the Story Powerline
David Melin as told to Becky Cerling Powers
6/16/2021
Why Smart Kids Can't All Read by Age 6: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2021
Being with Dad: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A Hinshaw
6/9/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/31/2021
Home Style Secrets of Kids' Learning Success: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/24/2021
The Balances of Parenting: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/18/2021
Letting Daughters Grow: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/8/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/1/2021
Reading Lots of Easy Books Produces Fluent Readers: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/22/2021
Reflections for Parents in April, Week Two: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/12/2021
Helping Kids with Math: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/5/2021
Reflections for Parents in April, Week One: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/1/2021
Trouble -- the doorway to God's Kingdom: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/25/2021
Honey Tree: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/23/2021
Watching for the Positives: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/21/2021
Give Your Children Sticky Minds: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/15/2021
The Law of Kindness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
3/12/2021
Eyes in the Lookout: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A Hinshaw
3/10/2021
Focusing on the good stuff: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Joe Herman
3/5/2021
The Grumble Family: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Anonymous
3/3/2021
Being a Better Parent...One Week at a Time...in March
Becky Cerling Powers
2/28/2021
Henry O. Flipper: a black history month story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
2/24/2021
Preparing to Raise Teens: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/18/2021
Neighbor Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/17/2021
No Matter What, I Love You Every Day: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Robert G Cerling
2/14/2021
Mental Maps: a faith based story on love from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/10/2021
Putting Myself in the Love Chapter: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Erik Powers
2/8/2021
Reading to Babies: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/5/2021
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in February 2021
Becky Cerling Powers
2/1/2021
Resolving the Past: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
1/22/2021
God Sets the Lonely in Families: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
1/21/2021
Keep Trying: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/13/2021
Hooray for Mother Goose! Parenting Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/5/2021
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in January 2021
Becky Cerling Powers
1/2/2021
Working With -- Not Against -- Life Seasons: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/28/2020
Why Play With the Kids? parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2020
Breaking Barriers with Kindness: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2020
Shoe Shine Boy: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Ruben Fierro as told to Maria Luisa Navarro
12/4/2020
Slow Down for Christmas: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2020
Ruth & Boaz, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/12/2020
Ruth & Boaz, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/9/2020
Enemies No More, Part 2: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/30/2020
Enemies No More, Part 1: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/28/2020
Double Minded Doggie: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2020
The Father's Blessing: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/13/2020
Dad's Green Packard: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/10/2020
Hill of Woman's Fidelity: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2020
In Praise of Naps: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/28/2020
Music Enriches the Family: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/10/2020
Pre-School at Home During Covid-19: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/21/2020
Parenting in the Mess: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/16/2020
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020
Temptation: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
7/23/2020
TALK: A Simple Way to Help Kids with School: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/21/2020
Honest Abe Lincoln: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
7/14/2020
The Most Conscientious Hunter I Ever Met: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
6/24/2020
Washing Feet: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Lee Merrill Byrd
6/17/2020
No Parking: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2020
Ruby Bridges, part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/3/2020
Ruby Bridges, part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/2/2020
Raising Fluent Readers: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/29/2020
Unwanted Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Eileen as told to Becky Cerling Powers
5/26/2020
Family Funnies: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/22/2020
Joey's Letters: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
5/21/2020
Alzheimer Valley: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
5/13/2020
Amaris Luz, Light from Darkness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
4/28/2020
Let Kids Cure Their Own Boredom: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/15/2020
Naaman, Rich in Money and Presumption: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs and Becky Cerling Powers
4/14/2020
David, Bathsheba & Psalm 51: a faith based story story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
4/9/2020
The Hundred Chart: math lesson tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/8/2020
The Beer Would Call Me: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Beatriz Balcort as told to Becky Cerling Powers
4/7/2020
Turned Around: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Brian Bolton with Becky Cerling Powers
4/2/2020
Elijah & the Captain of 50 Men: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
3/31/2020
Fear in Residence: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/24/2020
Household Management During COVID-19 Time: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/23/2020
Dreaming of Anita Jo: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/12/2020
No Complaint Dinners: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
3/10/2020
DIY Plumbing: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
3/5/2020
A Brother's Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
3/3/2020
My Two Dads, part three: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/27/2020
My Two Dads, part two: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/26/2020
My Two Dads, part one: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/25/2020
Grandma's Apron: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
2/20/2020
Colors of the Beetle: a retold faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/13/2020
Cantaloupe Crop Disaster: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen Hinshaw
2/5/2020
Afraid to Sleep at Night (Psalm 91): a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
1/22/2020
How the Camel Got His Hump: a retold faith based story
Becky Cerling Powers
1/13/2020
Growing Up With Polio: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/9/2020
All Things Bright and Beautiful: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers, poem by Cecil Frances Alexander
1/7/2020
One Dollar for a Donut: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2020
Star of Wonder
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/26/2019
The Shepherds
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/24/2019
Mary and the Angel
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/18/2019
Zechariah
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/17/2019
Christmas Cookies: a a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2019
First Thanksgiving, Part 3: Gifts & Gratitude (a faith based story from the Story Powerline)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019
First Thanksgiving, Part 2: Beginning in Weakness (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019
First Thanksgiving, Part 1: Enduring the Sea Voyage (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/27/2019
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 3: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2019
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem
11/19/2019
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Nodji (Néaouguen Nodjimbadem) as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2019
Grandma Time: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
11/1/2019
The Love & Diaper (Nappy) Connection
Becky Cerling Powers
10/25/2019
Avon Perfume Surprise: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2019
Saving Butterscotch: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Karen M. Pickett Ward
10/16/2019
The Patient in Room 116: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/8/2019
Belshazzar: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/2/2019
My Mysterious Relative & the Missing Paycheck: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2019
Keeping in Touch with Cousins: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
9/24/2019
How the Ostrich Got His Long Neck: a faith based retold story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
9/9/2019
When Life Goes Up in Smoke: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
8/20/2019
