On March 8, 2000, Margaret A. Scott, my mom, stepped out of time and into eternity. She was a woman of courage and strength. My first father died when I was only ten. Mom raised my brother Jim and me as a single mom for many years. Later she remarried and my other brother Chick came along. My second dad, dad Scott, after a lengthy illness died in 1991, but mom continued on. Both our parents taught us many things of value and above all not to be afraid of hard work. Thank God for godly parents.

Always active in the church, mom’s activity became even greater when dad Scott died. She was on committees, prepared food for special events, a member of the Altar Guild, also, member of the Lutheran Women's League, and any fill in the blank work that had to be done at the church. She visited the sick and those in homes unable to get out because of infirmity. If salvation was of works, mom would be a shoe in, but she knew Jesus was the only way of salvation. Her works were an expression of her faith in Him.

Mom’s main ministry was her Hug Ministry. Anyone who came to the church, whether it was their first visit or they had come for years, they would be hugged in by mom. People began to look forward to her hug, and complain if she was not there to give it. Her hug was a way of showing concern for them and more importantly, Jesus’ love. I searched the Bible for the word hug, but it wasn’t there, however, I did find some words that were quite similar. Words like embrace, cling to, lay hold and hold fast. It’s my opinion that mom’s hug ministry was the result of what she had embraced or held on to in God’s word.

MOM EMBRACED GOD’S GOSPEL (1 COR 15:2-4)
"By this gospel you are saved if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the scripture, that He was buried, and that He was raised from the dead on the third day, according to the scriptures."

Paul, in this epistle, says hold firmly or embrace the gospel or good news. That’s exactly what mom did. The New Testament was written that we would know the good news. Jesus paid the penalty for our sin and gives eternal life to all who repent and commit themselves to Him by faith. The good news is the work of salvation is complete and whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life and that more abundant. I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish." Mom embraced the gift of life in Him. She’s our example and our encouragement to do the same.

The writer, in this book of wisdom literature, encourages us to lay hold upon or embrace God’s wisdom. That’s what mom did. We live in a technological age, an age in which man’s wisdom has seen tremendous advances. However, even with all of man’s wisdom combined, from all the ages, it is nothing compared to Gods. The Bible says, "The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom." (1 Cor 1:25). God frowns on ignorance and yet many, claiming to be intelligent, have completely ignored His wisdom, the greatest wisdom of all. Mom embraced His wisdom and she is our example and encouragement to do the same.

Speaking of the saints down through the ages, the writer of Hebrews says they believed God’s promises, they were persuaded of God’s promises and they embraced those promises. That’s what mom did. Through His promises God has committed Himself to us. God promises to meet all our needs, to be with us and never forsake us. He also promises eternal life to all who receive His Son Jesus as their personal Savior. In fact, all the promises of God are absolutely certain of fulfillment in the Lord Jesus Christ. Mom embraced God’s promises in His Son Jesus and is our example and encouragement to do the same.

Mom’s Hug Ministry was the result of this biblical teaching. She hugged or embraced the good news of salvation in Christ, the wisdom and knowledge of God found in His word and the promises of God which will all be fulfilled in Christ and never fail. It is because of this that I can be confident that she stepped out of time and into the presence of God. Have you embraced God’s gospel, wisdom and promises? Are you confident of eternal life with Him?

It’s my opinion that when mom stepped into glory, she reached out and hugged Jesus, who hugged her right back, hugged dad and her sister, Betty and all the other relatives gathered for her homecoming. And, I can’t help but imagine her even now at Heaven’s gate, hugging all those coming in. God bless.