The Best Gift a Mother Can Give

By Joni and Friends|Published On: May 10, 2024|Categories: Stories|

“May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent one from the other.”
Genesis 31:49

These ancient parting words, known as the Mizpah—which means beacon or watchtower—carry special meaning for Celeste Sharpe, who lives with cerebral palsy and serves as an administrative assistant at Joni and Friends.

For Celeste, the Mizpah represents the deep connection between her and her maternal grandmother, whom she called “Mom.” From an early age, Celeste was raised by her grandparents (“Mom” and “Dad”).

Celeste’s biological mother (whom Celeste calls “Mommy” to differentiate) served in the military. So when her baby was born two months premature, with a disability, Mommy made the most difficult choice of her life.

Knowing that her parents could give her child the kind of upbringing that she herself could not, she entrusted Celeste to them.

Throughout her life—and to this day—Celeste has had a close relationship with Mommy. And even though Dad and Mom both went to heaven in 2015, their presence remains with Celeste, as do the many gifts they passed along during their moments together.

Celeste lights up when she talks about “Mom”:

“Mom told me, ‘Whatever happens, the best gift I can give you is faith in God.’ She taught me Scriptures and hymns. And she gave the best hugs. The way she hugged me, that’s the way I hug other people.”

What Mom Taught Celeste About Disability

Celeste first heard Joni’s story when she was six years old. She remembers telling Mom:

“If God can use Joni with her disability, then he can use me with mine.”

Mom heartily agreed. Always Celeste’s biggest cheerleader, Mom gave Celeste key lessons to hold onto regarding her disability:

“She taught me that no matter how much my cerebral palsy limits me, my attitude truly determines the severity of my disability. She also taught me that it was okay to do things differently, not to compare myself to others, and to encourage other people as much as I seek encouragement for myself.”
Celeste

Meeting Joni

Empowered by Mom’s love and faithfulness throughout her childhood, Celeste grew into a purposeful, caring adult, willing to share her gifts with others in many ways.

For years she’d carried the inspiration of Joni’s story with her. But working at a movie theater, Celeste couldn’t imagine what God had in store for her next.

Then, on January 14, 2014, who came to the movies? Joni and Ken! Celeste recalls the thrill of meeting Joni and Ken in person.

“I was so awed that I could hardly answer Joni when she asked me where I went to church!”

Celeste couldn’t wait to tell Mom who she’d met that day. The chance meeting with Joni and Ken led to Celeste joining Joni and Friends as a volunteer in 2015, with Mom cheering her on.

“… and your strength will equal your days.” Deuteronomy 33:25

By 2015, Mom’s health had deteriorated. She survived one heart attack but didn’t get her full strength back. Still, she delighted in watching Celeste as a thriving and faithful adult, living with joy. Then, on December 13, 2015, her strength ran out—and God took her home.

“The day she died, I got to the hospital just after she had left to be with the Lord. I remember pressing my hand to my chest to see if my heart was still beating. She was my person, and I had always thought when she died, I would die right then and there too. I just couldn’t imagine living without her. But that day, standing in the hospital room, my heart kept beating…”

Celeste knew that Mom had prepared her to go on, trusting God—especially in her absence. Celeste tried to be grateful for the 35 years she got with Mom. But sometimes she found herself asking, “Why couldn’t mom live longer?” In those moments of acute grief and longing, Celeste found unexpected comfort in the words that end Deuteronomy 33:25: “…and your strength will equal your days.”

“Mom lived for 84 years and two days. God gave her all the strength she needed for each of those days,” says Celeste.

Beauty on the Far Side of Pain

In her grief, Celeste leaned on the faith that Mom helped her build. Day by day, God gave Celeste the strength she needed—just as he had for Mom. And instead of wondering why Mom didn’t live longer, Celeste has learned to celebrate and dwell in gratitude for every day they had together.

And, as with every other separation they experienced while Mom was here, the Lord is keeping loving watch between them… and between every mom and child—and all loved ones—longing to be reunited.