By Brother Rob Bewley

I have a clear childhood memory of my mom, Janet Grace Bewley, quoting the first two lines of Psalm 121: “I will lift my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”

Over fifty years later these words of comfort have stuck with me.

My mom was not one to quote scripture and preach; she led by the example of her life of kindness, humility, and service. She was a quiet, shy, unassuming person which belied a huge inner strength derived from her devout faith. This faith and strength were tested back in 1970 when my dad passed at the age of 47. This left my mom suddenly widowed with four children (one with special needs) and an aged mother-in-law who lived with us and needed care. To get us through this difficult time she needed to return to the work force for the first time in 20 years. She was doing lots of lifting her eyes to the hills at that time.

Another childhood memory I have is of me coming into her bedroom to check with her about something and seeing her on her knees, at the foot of the bed, saying her evening prayers. I was just 12 years old when we lost my dad. In my younger years, I don’t think I had a full appreciation for the remarkable woman of faith my mom was.

As the years have gone by, my gratitude for being blessed to have Janet in my life have multiplied. So also has my appreciation for Psalm 121. “The Lord will watch over your coming and going” (vs. 8) has been a comfort to me in times of joy and sorrow in my life.

My mom passed away in August 2022 at the age of 98. As our family prepared the memorial service that would conclude her earthly journey and see her off to the next one, I knew what one of the readings had to be: Psalm 121.