Like Mother

 •  3 min. read  •  grade level: 4
A Christian woman living in a large city was passing a saloon some time ago. As she reached the door the saloonkeeper pushed a man out into the street. He was quite a young man but on his face were unmistakable signs of drink and debauchery. He was on the way to ruin.
As he stumbled onto the sidewalk he was swearing horribly. Shaking his clenched fist at the man who had thrust him out of the saloon he vowed vengeance. So blinded was he with fury that he failed to see the lady who had stopped near him until she touched his arm. In a gentle, quiet voice she asked: "What is the matter?”
The young man started as if he had been struck. He turned quickly to look at the speaker. Hardly able to control his voice, he stammered: "Oh, I thought it was my mother's voice! You sounded so strangely like her. But—her voice—she is dead.”
"You had a mother then that loved you?" said the lady.
He burst into tears as he answered: "Oh, yes, a dear mother! She loved her boy. But since her death everything has gone against me. I am a lost soul—lost to everything that is good—lost forever.”
"No, not lost forever! God is merciful and gracious, and His pitying love can reach the chief of sinners," said the lady as she went on her way. Her words seemed to deeply affect the young man, for he followed her down the street.
He noted the number of the house she entered, and the name on the door plate. As he went on his way what thoughts and feelings must have stirred in his soul!
Years rolled on their course. The Christian lady had almost forgotten this incident. It was only one of many kindnesses she had shown in her life. One day a stranger knocked at her door and sent in his card, asking permission to see her. Wondering who it could be, she greeted the gentleman as he entered.
Holding out his hand to her he said: "Pardon me, madam, for taking this liberty. I have come many miles for the pleasure of thanking you heartily for a great service you rendered me some years ago.”
"I am puzzled to know what you mean, sir. I can't remember ever having seen you before.”
"I do not wonder that you have forgotten me," replied the man, "for I have changed so much. Though I saw you only once, I would have known you anywhere. Your voice, too, is so much like my mother's.”
The moment these last words were uttered the lady remembered. This was the same young man to whom she had spoken kindly in front of the saloon long ago. He seemed deeply moved as he wept and she wept with him. However their tears gave place to happy smiles when he told her that her timely words that day had been the means of saving his soul and turning him-from eternal ruin.
"Those words, 'not lost forever,' followed me wherever I went. It always seemed to be my mother's voice speaking to me. I have repented of my sinful way, and have cast myself upon Jesus. Now I am thankful to say by the grace of God I have become a new creature in Christ. The turning point from death to life: dates from the moment you spoke to me.”
"I never dreamed God could use those few words of mine," said the lady, "but I praise Him for it.”