I’m amazed at how a photo can bring memories flooding back in an instant. Sights, smells, feelings, and conversations. This photo popped up on a social media memory—and yes, I’m thankful for those memory prompts because they seem to come when I need them most. Mom was talking to my daughter and son-in-law at our first book signing together. I can see the gentleness in her eyes, but also a knowing.On that day, she was dropping hints about what could happen to our nonprofit. As we signed books, she looked at me and said, “Never compromise Jesus, Lisa. Never compromise that He will always be first in what you do and in the decisions you make for this nonprofit. Stay true to the mission and don’t listen to the noise. Stay grounded. People will fail you, but Jesus won’t. And when I am not here, He will guide, protect, and lead you.” Her words were a lot to take in, and they seemed random. I didn’t understand, but now I do.
She knew I was about to face one of the biggest hurts and betrayals of my life, and she wanted to stay and help me through it. Not long before Mom went into hospice, I found out from Dad that she was trying to put off heaven to stay and walk through the hurt with me. She saw what was ahead—that the nonprofit would change, and I would face hard decisions. Her words, “never compromise,” rang the loudest. That nonprofit founded on “JOY” eventually became Lisa Bain Ministries to carry on her legacy.
It all changed, but Mom settled something deep inside my soul before she left: Stand firm on the what, who, and why of the organization. It is God’s, not ours. And the mission remains: helping, serving, and giving. Giving = Joy, Joy = Hope, Hope = Healing. She coined that phrase and repeated it over and over. And now it directs every decision and gives us focus as we walk ahead.
The words, “people will fail you, but Jesus never will,” have carried me through the pain. She knew it was coming, but she also
knew that pure reliance on Jesus and faith in His promises was the only path forward. Staying true to the mission has taken us outside the box where the miracles are waiting. “Live outside the box, Lisa! That’s where the miracles are!” We began to call it outside the box living—and it’s a miracle-filled place!
knew that pure reliance on Jesus and faith in His promises was the only path forward. Staying true to the mission has taken us outside the box where the miracles are waiting. “Live outside the box, Lisa! That’s where the miracles are!” We began to call it outside the box living—and it’s a miracle-filled place!Those last conversations with Mom were also about loving and forgiving. “Love always, forgive often.” She said this daily because she knew I would get stuck in the muck and mire if I couldn’t let go of hurt and focus on love instead. The loving and forgiving that would be required was on a different level. It was hard, and still is. My precious mom was full of lessons, wisdom, and so much love. She was full of Jesus.
As I look at this photo and remember that day, I think of all that has happened and how I didn’t understand it then. But I trusted she could see something that wasn’t in my line of vision yet, and I have kept and cherished her words. I need them. And yet, I would go through the pain and betrayal all over again to learn the lessons, meet the authentic people, and experience the miracles. When I think about the past few years and the decision Mom made to start a nonprofit after we both received our diagnoses of cancer and autoimmune disease, I stand in awe. God carries us through the darkness and allows us to find treasures when we need them most.
Often, the journey IS the treasure! He protects us and places leaders in our path to walk with us through transitions and change. “For such a time as this,” He is always there, around every corner if we look close enough. His plan for you is good. And when you get to the other side, you will see that his handprints have been across everything, at every moment.