Growing up on the South side of the city of Chicago had its moments. Even though I was oblivious to all of the crime of the area, I was very in tune to what was going on in my home.

My parents were divorced when I was very young. I lived with my mother during the school year and visited my father during the summers in Maryland. My mother and I did not have the best relationship. I felt she was not around much – always working. I did not understand then that she had to work in order to care for her three children. All I knew was that Mom was not around. I declared to her that when I graduated high school, I was moving with Dad and going to school in Maryland. I had to leave, too many rules. I thought I was grown and I had my whole life figured out – at the ripe old age of 17. 

Even in the years to come, we were cordial. My mom was not the type to show emotion. It was assumed that she loved us but she hardly ever verbalized it. She was known for short phone calls (even when the cost of long distance was not an issue) no more than 10 minutes. I longed to take back the words of my youth and have a closer relationship with my mother – especially now since I have my own children. I prayed to God that I would be able to feel my mother’s love. That was in December 2004. 

In February 2005, I found out about a women’s retreat that was hosted by my uncle’s church in Wisconsin. I immediately thought it would be nice to go with my mother. But then, obviously forgetting my prayer just a few months prior, I said, “Nah, she won’t want to go.”  That same day, my mom called me asking if I wanted to go and that she would even pay my way. She thought it would be a great time for us to bond! We had a wonderful time and we grew much closer that weekend as we removed the veil of pride. We talked, we laughed, we cried. After that retreat, things were better. The conversations were longer. She would even say she loved me when we hung up the phone. The first time she said it, it brought tears to my eyes (even now as I write). 

In 2006, my mother was diagnosed with acute leukemia. She was only 54 years old. I dropped everything to fly to Chicago to be by her side. I prayed for strength and I prayed for her daily. I prayed for her salvation. Since we hardly went to church growing up, I was just not sure if she was saved.  The Lord began to work miracles. Her brother was an exact match for bone marrow. She received the transplant in July 2006. She has been in full remission for over two years now. Praise the Lord!

I look back over the past four years and I see how God moved and worked in our lives. He answered prayers and he has had to allow trials to come so that our faith could be tested. I did not run into a corner and hide or work myself into a worried frenzy, but I prayed and continued to lean on the Lord for my strength. He has also brought my mom closer to Him. Her testimony is helping others as she gives God all the glory in the midst of her trials. 

I felt compelled to write to perhaps give others encouragement. Perhaps some daughter needs to reconcile with her mother. Perhaps some mother needs to reach out to her daughter. I now understand that life is too short and we are not promised tomorrow. Yeah, we hear that over and over again in church, but these events have really driven that point home for me. No longer will I withhold the love I have for my mother. I tell her every chance I get how much I love and appreciate her. How much I thank God for her. 

Don’t let a trial or negative circumstance force you to not do your part. Tell your mom or daughter you love her, TODAY! – Not because I said so, but because GOD said so!

Chanel Trussell is a wife, mother and marketing director of BlackandChristian.com.