The Labour of Love (Part 1) Short Stories

When we think about labour, we often refer to a woman giving birth to a child or the work someone has done over some time. This short story segment; the Labour of love, refers to how God used powerful women of Faith to compliment his labor of love on earth. In these stories, love required sacrifices and pain to fulfill God’s will which was not an easy path to bear but it was for a glorifying end. These women are admired to be planters and waterers in the spirit which was acknowledged with the increase God called it to be. When looking at the biblical reference in 1 Corinthians 3: 6, these women were part of the great labor of God. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was causing the growth. ⁷ So neither is the one who plants nor the one who waters anything, but [only] God who causes the growth. ⁸ He who plants and he who waters are one [in importance and esteem, working toward the same purpose]; but each will receive his reward according to his labor”. These testimonies testify to the faithfulness of God, his goodness, and everlasting mercies.

I present to you a strong and dedicated individual with a powerful value of life and a serene spirit of love. Gloria Williamson, born on May 25th, 1956 in Haiti, Port- au- Prince. The 2nd eldest of eight siblings where she adopted her role with dignity and pleasure as an older sister. Her passion for life was placed, upon her as she witnessed her mother’s pious and faithful devotionals to God. During her earlier years as a young woman, she and her sisters were anointed with a voice as of archangels, to worship and praise their first love, Jesus Christ. Gloria and her sisters Emireine, and Roselene were well known in Haiti for their musical ministries. They shared their gift in various worship groups named in french such as “Flambaux Sacre”, “Combat du Christ”, “Maranatha” and “Jesus Miracle”.

A couple of years down the line, Gloria immigrated to Canada during her late teenage years, in hope of a new opportunity as things were getting heated in Haiti due to political reforms. Out of her eight siblings, she was the first to venture out and settle in Canada while most of her family settled in the United States.

Her prudence was her disguise, she wore her natural beauty as a flourishing spring tulip. Grasping her enormous vase of charity and effective inclination of compassion. She would serve her family as kings and queens, never letting anyone down but keeping them on their knees, praying Jesus please bless this woman and give her many more years to live. She would advocate for people’s rights resembling the character of a peacemaker. Gloria, Williamson a Haitian pearl, a true definition of selfless attitude, polishing her soul with the word of God and his promises. As she interceded for her offsprings. She was blessed with six children to raise and honored her provider by naming each of them with biblical names reflecting what God placed in her heart. She cherished everything about motherhood and took her role seriously as a stay at home mom. Despite her violated relationships with men; who left her deserted to lust after other women, she remained dedicated to the gifts God gave her, her children.

Nonetheless, her daily routine was to honor her Sovereign King through prayer and worship at home. She celebrated her love for Christ by sacrificing everything to him, therefore with her zealous spirit, she often left her children home to participate in prayer devotionals at church. Until one night, things turned upside down, when she went back home. Fear invaded her mind, sadness her heart, confusion her soul, when she found out that her precious jewels were taken away and separated into different group homes. The authorities reported her as being a neglectful mother. Being pregnant with her last child at the time, she reflected upon the fact that she had no immediate support from family nor friends, she left her eldest son who was only 11 years old at the time with four other siblings in the apartment. This horrific memory remained in the mind of all her children as they travel from one group unit to another. Because they were separated from each other within a twinkle of an eye. They recall that phone call when a well-known individual called home and spoke to the eldest asking him the address to send some goodies and Christmas gifts for all of them. In his innocence he provided what she requested, little did he know that it was one of the last straw of his childhood memory, when a few minutes later, police officers knocked at the door, searching around for an attending adult .

With no justification from the legal standpoint, nor the spectator’s sympathy could bring her children back. She was hysterical at the idea of losing her precious gifts and had difficulty coping on several occasions. However, Gloria did not back down to any last verdict and took possession of her position and fought for her children until her last breath. She would pray at the corner of street lights where her children would live and earnestly seek the face of her Heavenly Father, she would cry out to Him day and night. Gloria and her faith in God grew more, as He was proving His love for her. She would remarkably hold on to her long- term memories of her energetic children. In the incident of this madness, her dedication was so tremendously felt that on the other hand, her children were also crying out to be back with her and their siblings. After a long process, she proved to the authorities that she was able to make better arrangements and was able to make positive steps forward into her journey.

On June 29th 1990, she gave birth to her last baby girl, and was able to keep her at the sight of the social workers, as she was living with the father of her first two sons, at the moment. She continued to, hold on to God’s promise well alluded in psalm 23:4 saying; “Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me”. Her consoler, provided for all her needs as her faith increased as the time when on.

Unfortunately, the sickness started to take over her body which led to severe heart disease. In her intention to not dramatic this news, she would not mention anything to her family and friends but brought everything through prayer and supplication to God. Philippians 4:6 (AMP)” ⁶ Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. She endured the news with pain because deep down she knew that this illness was more than she could withstand. Everything evolved so fast that she required a piece maker due to heart malfunctions. However, with diligence, she would strived for God’s glory, she was allowed visitation rights to bring her children to the altar on Sunday mornings. respectfully driven to her daily routines, her heart never stopped, think about her children which was a reciprocal connection wherever they were.

While being in agony, she would plead for her soul to God, asking him to live so she can build a relationship with her children to see them grow, get married, and have children on their own. After several revelations, she knew her life was held by a string. Determination gave her fuel, so she made everything possible to receive resources from social workers and other nonprofit organizations to establish a stable home for all of them to live in. In 1994, after, a few phones call she received a notice to participate in a news broadcast from Montreal, implying her to receive a new government housing project to accommodate her and all her children. She was overjoyed by what God was doing and embraced each moment. Later on, she was able to receive the blessings of having her children back living with her in a new government home in Cartierville Cousineau street, Montreal Quebec.

Like a deer pants for water, so did her soul for God. As her sickness manifested greatly through her changed figure, she realized that her illness prevailed over her. Therefore, she started sending subliminal messages to her 2nd oldest son saying “God willing if I am still alive” “we will see”. Until then she could no longer sweep it under her heart, therefore, she bluntly told him when he was only 15 yrs old; “my son soon you will have to take care of your siblings because I will die very soon”. Reluctantly receiving her words, he urged her to stop talking, feeling tormented at the idea. He was in denial of the reality that came as fast as she spoke it. She knew the damage and pain it would cause her family therefore she would not further express anything to alarm anyone about her illness. In light of the darkness, she found peace and comfort in the presence of God, through adoration, and in her children.

She often worshiped with one of her favorite hymns, she sang in her native language; creole entitled “As the deer pants for the water”.

“You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee You’re my friend
And You are my brother
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anythingI want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.

From 1994 until 1997 she lived a glorious and productive life with all her six children; not shying away from all sorts of activities and outings she could do with them. She often spoke to God and asked him to protect every one of them. She recited this verse as a prayer as If she was the one living in the biblical context saying from John 17:24 (Amplified Bible)²⁴  “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given to Me[as Your gift to Me], maybe with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world”. Gloria knew she was going to die and she left everything in the hands of God, that no matter what they ever go through, they will be well in Jesus’ name. She died at the age of 41 on July 16th, 1997; from a heart attack leaving her children and family with many years in mourning, her departure. BUT Her labor of Love and sacrifices was not in vain…

I give tribute to my mother Gloria Williamson who honored and trusted God and fought by faith for all her children to be under God’s covering today. Here are her children’s names from the eldest to the youngest; Karl David Blain, Joseph Jonathan Blain, Pierre Jacob Bercy, Mary Mardochee Bercy, Moise Williamson, and Marie-Colombe Williamson. She named each one, from biblical names which highly stands out in their character today.

I hope this segment richly blessed you to know that God is in control no matter, so do not worry over your circumstances and your life battles and struggles. Take a time to connect with Him again through prayer and in worship for God inhabits the praise of his people. Psalm 22:3 KJV.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Thank you for attending my life like a good shepherd who knows how to guide and love His sheep, even if one went astray you left the 99 to save one. Once again you proved your love to many generations and Lord I declare that I am forever yours. In Jesus Name Amen

Inspired scriptures: Psalms; 23, Psalm 22:3, John 17:24, Philippians 4:6, 1 Corinthians 6:3, Proverbs 3:5-6

And,

P.S Jesus Loves You