100 Words

Phone Ministry

August 3rd, 2024
Mollie T. Cox

Someday I will be remembered for the phone calls I never made.
Yoko Ono

I spend hours on the phone. My husband jokes about my phone ministry, which makes me feel better about time that used to feel wasted. Along the way, I learned that heartfelt phone calls are never a waste of time, even if the conversations seem trivial.

My negative perception of phone calls was a result of too many hours trapped listening to slander or complaints about unimportant matters or complaints about situations a person was unwilling to change. I should have hung up.

My opinion changed after a friend lamented that she had not cleaned her closet that day because she had spent time chatting with her daughter and daughter-in-law on the phone. However, the conversations she described seemed more valuable than a clean closet.

My friend’s email reminded me to focus on the blessing and joy phone calls can bring and not the items on my to-do list.

Certain types of intimacy emerge on a phone call that might never occur if you were sitting right next to the other person.
Errol Morris Film Director

Thank you, Friends, for calling me and taking my calls.

Friendship, Relationships

The Sisters Who Stayed Sisters

July 27th, 2024
Mollie T. Cox

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Romans 12:10 (ESV)

The Cox sisters with their mother (1955)

Next Sunday is National Sisters’ Day. From my earliest years, “sisterly affection” and “outdoing one another in showing honor” were modeled by my grandmother and great-aunts. These women were exemplary sisters.

The three shared their childhood city for almost ninety years, and although they differed in personalities and circumstances, they remained loving sisters. Through the challenges of caring for a mother with Altheimer’s, they remained loving sisters. Settling an estate without a written will did not test their bond but rather proved it. The court said there had never been such a harmonious settlement without a will.

While in their 80s, the three sisters met for lunch every Wednesday. Aunt Dottie and Aunt Frances shared a cab to my grandmother’s house. From the stories I heard, there was more laughter than food, although there was plenty of food. When declining health forced them to live in separate states, they stayed sisters, calling daily.

There were disagreements. Occasionally, my grandmother wished a sister would “mind her own business.” However, all agreed that sisterhood reigned.

May God bless my sister.

God's Faithfulness

The Twisted Roots In Our Lives

July 20th, 2024
Mollie T. Cox

Over a decade ago, I became intrigued with twisted tree roots. My brother recommended a trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park because, along the way, one could stand behind a 25-foot waterfall. However, I would return for the twisted roots that dominated our path.

Last year, in the Rocky Mountains, I had more opportunities to admire the complexity of twisted tree roots.

I saw those roots as evidence of a tree’s struggle to survive by forging a path to water and nutrients—a challenge usually hidden from view. Only a tall, majestic tree was seen until erosion occurred.

I wondered how many majestic people in my life had twisted roots hidden from view.

A little research taught me that root systems are complicated and shaped by a variety of sources. Still, when I see tangled roots originating from towering trees, I think of the strong, faithful people who bring joy to my life and wonder again about their perseverance and what is below their surface.

Art, Homeschooling, Parenting

Picture Books As Art

July 13th, 2024
Mollie T. Cox

There is an opportunity with children to show them art and illustration that will furnish their minds with beauty and mystery, symmetry and wonder. The simplest mechanism for this is the selection of picture books that we share with them.”
Meghan Cox Gurdon, The Enchanted Hour

Along the way, I learned that stories not only have a lasting impact, but also their illustrations. My grown sons have asked for the titles of favorite picture books based on their illustrations: the large flashlight; the black Scottish terrier; the boy wearing a blue sweater.

We didn’t read *Angus* as much as *Titch*, but my preschooler still remembered the terrier over thirty years later.

The impact of picture book illustrations has given me a way to start art conversations with children. Make Way for Ducklings by McCloskey, Mr. Gumpy by Birmingham, Round Trip by Jonas, Piggins by Yolen, and Old Bear by Hissey are among my favorites.

These illustrations help teach the use of line, the power of basic shapes, and the variety of art media and styles.

Thankfully, Massachusetts and Ohio have museums celebrating the art of picture books.

Do you remember any illustrations from childhood?

Relationships

Weeping With Those Who Weep

July 6th, 2024
Mollie T. Cox

And we urge you brothers to admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
I Thessalonians 5: 14 (ESV)

My usual response when friends and family struggled aligned with 1Thessalonians 5:14. I’m wired to encourage and help.

Along the way, I’m learning that a different response may be most beneficial.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15 (ESV)

During the winter, I was devastated when people close to our family attempted to take advantage of us—with hugs and smiles thrown in for good measure. The most helpful words were “That was awful. I’m mad too,” followed by the reminder that it was their pattern.

This spring, when I experienced a serious health challenge, “You’ll heal and be fine” did not encourage. I did heal, and I am fine, but at the time, mourning and prayers were the balm I needed.

As a dear friend walks a difficult road, she needs help and encouragement, but now I understand how much she needs me to weep with her.

Are you in a season of rejoicing or weeping?