A Tribute to Mor-Mor

Mor-Mor used to always tell me that she was like Nicodemus in the Bible. It was one of my favorite things that she used to say to me. The reason she said she was like him was because Nicodemus always came to Jesus in the night,in secret. Nicodemus would always come full of questions for Jesus, and Jesus would gladly answer them. Nicodemus had an authentic hunger for Jesus.

Mor-Mor always did all of her counseling in the night time, at least when it was with me or my friends. I can't tell you how many times I went over to Pop and Mor's house in the night, taking different people with me who were immensely struggling. Mor-Mor wasn't afraid of messy or raw. She wasn't afraid of the gray areas of life.

I would call her and say:

"I need to bring someone [or myself or multiple people] to you who need prayer." She would always respond by saying, "Bring them tonight."

I would arrive at her home, and she would sometimes tell me to stand outside the door or in the living room when she was talking to the person or persons. She would tell me to pray, but sometimes I would fall asleep as I waited. I always wanted to go in to hear the conversations, however, she was teaching me. It wasn't about knowing every detail about what was going on. It wasn't about knowing the latest struggle or hurt just for curiosity's sake. It was about praying that their hearts would have an encounter with Jesus. I became like her secret prayer partner, and oh did I love it.

Now, I am beginning to think that I could be like Nicodemus too. Oh, I hope I can be! Coming to Jesus in the night. Not being afraid.

Besides, I am writing this blog currently at night, so perhaps it's already started.

This is the poem that the Lord gave me the day of Mor-Mor's funeral. Be blessed as your heart becomes inspired by the legacy that she left behind.

A Life Lived
By Lauren Branz

A life lived for the cause of Christ.
A life lived knowing that Jesus paid the highest price.

A life that was fully and wholly surrendered.
A life that didn't let a disease come in and hinder.

A life lived in prayer on her knees.
A life that made the creator oh so pleased.

A life that stood in the gap for the weak.
A life that gave words to those who couldn't speak.

A life that was never weakened by fear.
A life that knew her Jesus was near.

A life that loved her family and friends with all of her heart.
A life that made you feel like you were apart.

Apart of something bigger.
That you were more than a hand on a trigger.

She spoke of how you were not your past.
How Jesus saw through that mask.

How He knew the depths of you and still loved you.
She would smile as she told you that she loved you too.

Mor-Mor lived a life abandoned for God.
She never did it for an applause.

She did it because she was brought back to life, out of trials, heartache, and strife.
Into what we would call a Marvelous light.

She wanted others to join her on the path.
As she reminded us to never look back.

She has now passed the baton to us,
telling us that we are more than enough.

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few,
and this was a truth that she very well knew.

It's time for us to rise;
and stop believing the enemy's lies.

Mor-Mor planted a seed,
Because she knew that we must fill a need.

She knew how to pick up the staff and lead.
She and Pop's always poured into you and me.

Her joy will never cease,
As her heart is with Jesus, forever at peace.

Thank you, Mrs. Vallone, for knowing Christ at your core.
You loved us all so much, but we loved you more.