As we approach Mother’s Day, I think not only of my mother, but of the man who made her a mother.
I think of my father, Horace Richard Priester. When I think of the many things he taught me, one lesson stands out.
He often repeated, “Pray about it. Prayer is the Biggest Power we’ve got.”
Growing up, when I awoke each morning, I would find my mother on her knees next to their bed praying.
My father would be praying in the living room, on his knees next to a chair.
The house was filled with The Spirit of God, Who was welcomed by my parents.
They both recounted with joy the many ways God had answered their prayers through the years. But one prayer that was answered brought tears to my father’s eyes every time he remembered.
My parents were married for ten years before my brother was born. My mother said they wanted children, but it just didn’t happen.
She said even though it made her sad, she knew God knew best what The Plan was for their lives. She said it was fine to ask God for what we believe we need, but we should be open to what He desires for us.
After ten years, my mother became pregnant. My parents were ecstatic. The pregnancy went well.
However, after my mother went into labor, there was a complication. At one point, the doctor came out and told my father he did not know if he could save either mother or baby.
He asked my father if he could save one, which would he prefer to be saved. My father told the doctor he wanted both to be saved. He refused to make a choice.
The doctor went back into the delivery room. My father said he paced more than any other man in the waiting room … and he prayed for hours.
He said he asked God to save them both, but he left The Plan to God.
And while one man of faith looked upward and waited, God pulled back the curtains of Heaven and answered.
My mother survived. And they welcomed their son, Horace Richard Priester, Jr. Into the world.
My parents were married for another 62 years before my mother’s death.
Eleven years after my brother was born, I entered the world.
They had us two children. They had four grandchildren. They had nine great grandchildren. They had two great great grandchildren.
All of us are bonded in The Love of a Great and Merciful God, Who answered the prayer of a man, who refused to give up … and who trusted God with the Plan.
Horace Richard Priester, IV is soon graduating from Clemson University. I’m sure his great grandfather will be observing from Heaven with a big smile of thanksgiving.
“Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His Power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21
