My Mom the Life Coach

Mom, Granny, GG, friend, sister, aunt, co-worker, Sunday School teacher, ride to church or whatever you call my mom, Gail Franks, you know that she has added value to your life. She is my hero. In her pursuit of being a humble servant she has become a world class leader that is hardly seen in this world.

Some years ago I was in a conference in New York City and after a short conversation about life and ministry he handed me a card and offered to be my “life coach”. I chuckled, not knowing that was an actual term and occupation, and walked away in astonishment. After thinking about the odd nature of his proposal I sat down and began to thank about the term “life coach”. In my opinion this is not a place in someones life you can get by submitting a resume or handing out business cards. I have a mentors/life coaches that have made a huge impact in my life. None have been more instrumental of more loved then my mother. Let me explain why I say this.

1. My mom is always investing in someone. It was nearly impossible for me to find a picture of my mom without someone in the picture. She always has people with in arms reach to pull into pictures. In 1977 her first child was born my sister, Amanda. Six years later as Amanda crawled out of her arms and to her feet to play I found my way there. Then six years later my little brother, Todd, came on the seen and asked both of us to scoot over and make room. Then six years later the first grandson, Joseph Brown. Then six years later the wild man named John David Brown came to join the clan. Then to break the cycle about 6 years later me, my sister, and my brother all had kids with in a month of each other! I tell you this to show you that she has been a nurturing mother and grandmother to many and for many years. These are the names of the kids that were born to her. However, she adopted hundreds of people during these time and loved them as her own. She is always thinking of ways to help her “kids” grow and have every advantage to reach their God given potential.

2. My mom lives for the success of others. I may not fully realize the sacrifices my mom made to help us children have all that we had. Most of my childhood she raised us as a single mom working two to three jobs at a time. She was unappreciated and we ran all over her. Now that her kids are grown she still continues to make the same personal sacrifices to help others that are less fortunate.

3. She knows her strengths and weakness. My mom can do so many things well. However, the things she knows our not her strengths should get people to help us with.

4. She has a huge heart. Looking back on my childhood I think of sometimes that should have felt more difficult than it did. However, my mom tried her best to keep our eyes on other people so we did not notice the difficulties we were facing. People are always calling my mom to tell of their problems. Not just because she is a good listen but because they know that if she knows of a situation she will work relentless to solve it.

5. She believes in people. This is not just a cliche but she doesn’t see people as “bad but broken”. She understands that all men and women are born sinners in need of Jesus. She also knows that when people lash out in anger they are crying out for help. My mom has an amazing ability to look past the symptoms and see into the hearts of people. She has been able to love, forgive, and believe in people that most people would have wanted out of their lives.

I know my mom is one of the three readers of this blog – so she will eventually read this. I want you to know that I love you and happy 50th birthday. If I could pour out my life as a sacrifice to our great God as you have over the last 50 years I would be more than satisfied. You have been a wonderful role model and a “life coach” to so many. Thank you!