Ginger Tea

I remember every Wednesday, ma would make hot ginger tea
But she'd make a whole pot and it wasn't just for me
It was also for the woman who came home crying that she lost her son
For the boy who made some mistakes and wanted to run
For the couple who couldn't have any kids
For the baby and the beautiful Miss
Ma's ginger tea was just like her hugs
Warm and comforting but in very large mugs
People like this came every week
One thing they had in common - they were broken and weak
But they never left home the way they came
After sweet prayers and wise words, they were never the same
To her, it doesn't matter who
She welcomes them with her beautiful smile
Maybe that's why they called her "ma" too
Because when they feel like it's been a while
They'll long to go, just like me
Back to ma and her hot ginger tea.

My mother has always been a giver. All my life I’ve seen her generosity reach new heights. But it was never about the tea, the clothes or the many things she used to give, because a lot of people can be charitable. What was far greater was the love and prayers she gave. She empathizes to such an extent that it moves my heart. She wears her heart on her sleeve and opens her home to those who are running away from their own. Today, I’m privileged to be able to travel with her, serve alongside her and watch her speak healing to crowds of thousands. She always says that she was once a nobody, someone unimportant and timid, but she’s thankful that today, she is somebody. But to me, she’s always been a somebody – not because she holds a microphone or has a television show but because she has had the same heart, the same love, empathy and generosity. She is goofy, warm and caring. She is full of patience and humility. I hope to one day be like her. But until then, I’m grateful to watch her work her magic in all our lives. Her prayers have upheld me in the darkest times and she’s raised me to be the person I am today. The grace that carried her all these years is what she taught me to rely on. Here’s to all the mothers who play a lot of different roles but love the same. Thank you for working hard and for sacrificing so much for your family. God bless you!

And ma, I love you!