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about: a mother's love, a witness and faith

TEARS IN A BOTTLE COLLECTION Caryl Ramsdale, American Poet

Then came to Him the mother of Zeb’-e-dee’s children with her sons, worshipping Him, and desiring a certain thing of him. MATTHEW 20:20 KJV

SALOME STORY:  A woman's greatest legacy is her children—the Lord showed this mother what He desired of her. Salome means  “PEACEFUL” ( IIt’s the feminine form of Solomon. ) to Camilla Rupe

Her fingers reached out to touch the men Even though they could barely be seen; Both stood nearby a moment ago— Walked off to become two of thirteen. God was watching over Salome while Her grown sons—James and John—turned to go; Jesus handpicked them to follow Him— They’d be famous—a mother should know.

The sons of Zebedee and Salome Were both fiery—high-strung—hotheads; So Jesus called them Boanerges [bo-a-nur'-jez] And their new name “sons of thunder” spread. Salome kneeled when she asked the favor To control what her sons would become; “Seat—James and John—on your right and left— When You take—Your throne—in Your kingdom.”

Her son’s first years had belonged to her— She taught morals and planted roots deep; At home her boys helped, learned, and listened— Building strong family ties to keep.

Salome stood at the foot of the cross Beholding the King’s crucifixion— Bought spices to anoint His body— Witnessed the tomb vacant of God’s Son.

Her sons were the sons of Zebedee, The Galilean fisherman, Who owned two boats and hired servants. Those sons were with him when change began; Busy patching up fish catching nets— When from the mountain they heard the call— That caused them to become different.  As they followed Him—He changed them all.

She raised two of Jesus’ apostles; Two members of His “inner circle”. James was beheaded—the first martyr; John banished—freed—then died natural. Her grown son’s imitated Jesus Because she surrendered them to Him. God gave answers she could understand— When Salome loved her LORD more than them.

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Mag’-da-lene, and Mary the mother of James,  and Sa-lo’-me,  had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him.  And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the sun. MARK 16:1 and 2 KJV [It's the opinion of many—Salome was a sister to Mary the mother of Jesus.]

~  Pray for the mother that witnesses the persecution of her children to know God’s peace...It pleases God. ~ © Copyright 1999-2007 Caryl Ramsdale. All rights reserved.

Artwork: Clytie by Lord Frederick Leighton

midi "GENTLE SHEPHERD" permission NewsongsOnline.Org November 05, 2005