The Kumquat Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree

 These pictures are some of my favorites, not only because they show that my mom and I shared the same skeptical attitude towards everything, but these pictures remind me that my mom and I shared something far more important-faith in Christ.  The faith my mom taught me is a practical one.  It is founded in grace and truth, a gift from God.  My mom never went for a foo-foo kind of faith, one of feeling good and having cute sayings embroidered on pillows.  My mom was not blind to the sin and ugliness in the world, and neither am I.  All the ugliness in the world, the sin and chaos, never stopped her from enjoying life, and I also intend to enjoy life despite all the wickedness and injustice I see.