Mama Margaret

I met a woman during my time in Uganda named Mama Margaret. This was no ordinary woman. She carried herself with profound dignity, releasing the fiery gaze of true love with each step that she walked. She prayed without ceasing, believed without wavering and smiled without guile. She was royalty, no doubt. The beauty that radiated from her was so intricately woven into the fabric of her being that any darkness within you was confronted and loved into wholeness at first glance. This magnificent daughter of God knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what is real, and to whom she belonged. Her strength roared like a lion over every fear.

I write about her to remind myself of what is real. “So keep your thoughts continually on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always.” Phillippians 4:8.

The first time I met Mama Margaret, I was overcome by her strength. At our first introduction, she grabbed hold of me, looked deeply into my eyes and told me she loved me and she was praying for me. She never failed to hug me and thank me for being there to help her in the endless ministry to the poor. You would never know of her poverty, her tears and her struggles as you watch her metaphorically wash the feet of all of those around her. Raising fifteen children, mostly not her own, in a “house” with no water, electricity, or room even for all of those children, and all without a husband as well. You see, he died of cancer a year ago leaving only his legacy. Now, this mama does it all. She has a garden and picks what she can to sell, she pastors the church her husband left behind, she oversees the feeding program in the village, feeding at least a hundred children once a week, and of course, don’t forget the fifteen mouths she is responsible for at home. Then there is all of the discipleship that flows from her like an effervescent river, not just for her children, whom she is raising so well, but all of those in her charge. Mama Margaret works tirelessly in her village making sure that the needs she can meet are met, that her people know she loves them, and then of course the endless prayers for those who suffer the most.

Recently, a young man in her care was dying of liver cancer and told he would not last a week. She gathered her intercessors, and fell on her knees and cried out for mercy from the living God. I am not sure if her prayers get a bit more attention or not, but I do know that God heard their cry. This man was healed one hundred percent. They have the doctor records to prove it. He is now looking at life through a completely different lens. Where he said in my presence that he felt as if the world was too small for him, and that his existence could not be supported on this planet, he now knows that his Maker says something entirely different. He is alive and well now, telling of God’s marvelous deeds everywhere he goes.

There are so many beautiful people in this world. You are one of them!

I believe we all need people in our lives to encourage us onward, to inspire us to more, and to be an example that we aim to follow. May we all find the people who can spurn us on to the upward call of Christ and indeed be this for others. “I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this, however I do have one compelling focus; I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory prize through the anointing of Jesus.” Phillippians 3:12-14.

With love…

Haley

Pictured below is Mama Margaret, and Ronald. He is Margaret’s oldest biological son, and one of the most precious humans I have ever encountered. He struggles with his dad being gone now, but puts his all into helping his mom with the younger children. Thankfully, he is off to university this month, thanks to generous donors and will come back to the village of Wakiso to spread life and life abundant once his studies are complete.