faith found again

I found the cross pendant my mom gave me when I was 8 years old this morning. It has appeared and disappeared between moves throughout my life and every time I find it again, it's when I need it the most. 

My mom didn't know it, but she is the one who introduced me to Jesus. I didn't know who He was when I was 8 years old, but I knew that a cross necklace was important, so I cherished it like it was gold. My mom didn't raise me in the church or to say my prayers before bed, but she pointed me in the direction of God, indirectly (if that makes sense). When I was 9 years old, she gave me a wooden plaque to hang in my room (we hung it on the wall above my bed). It was the Lord's prayer. Again, I didn't know what it meant, but I said that prayer every night before I went to bed (like I had seen in the movies).

This cross (the blue one) means more than anything to me - it's my most valuable piece of jewelry (and probably the least expensive). She bought it a yard sale. I don't know why she chose to buy me cross, but she did and it has changed my life. It's over 20 years old. It's now cracked and faded, but I still love it. Parents, remember this...it's the little things your children will hold onto and cherish most. Thanks, mama.