Good Bones—It’s All About Restoration

Mothers and daughters. It’s a tough act for sure. We go from “I love you” to “I hate you” back to “I love you.” The first act (“I love you”) is when the little girl looks up at her mommy with adoration. Second act (“I hate you”) takes place during the teen years. The third act (“I love you”) is the final act—the one when the little girl is no longer and is now a grown woman and motherhood takes on a completely new meaning. Reality sets in and Mother is now precious.

What does it mean to have good bones? You’re typically talking about a house when you use the term “good bones.” In that context, it means the house is good with the potential of being great. The house might be neglected but made of quality materials or is well constructed. That’s the good bones part.

In fact, there’s a restoration show on HGTV called Good Bones that stars a mother/daughter team. The duo is Karen E. Laine (mother) and Mina Starsiak Hawk (daughter). They go around their hometown of Indianapolis restoring houses that have good bones.

The mom, Karen, has a legal background. Before the show, she worked as a defense attorney. The daughter, Mina, knows the real estate business. Together they find that good bones house, hire out the demo and construction duties to transform the once-neglected house into a magnificent house. All the while staying on budget. The show first aired on March 22, 2016. They are now in their fifth season.

Mothers and daughters have this crazy kinda special relationship. I see it in my relationships with my daughters and I see it in my daughters’ relationships with their daughters. I even see it in the relationships of the mother/daughter teams I see on TV. My relationship with my mother was no different. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized how very fragile not only life is but our relationships are. Especially when it comes to our mothers.

Learning from the scriptures:

In real estate, having good bones is a good thing. There may be some ugly going on but underneath there’s something you can work with. The essence of the house is sound. Our spiritual homes have good bones in God’s eyes. In our scripture, Paul is writing to Timothy (his spiritual child). Timothy is in Ephesus and he’s discouraged. Paul is writing to him to encourage him and give him hope.

This is the beginning of the church. It’s about to be opened to the world. You see, Timothy’s mother was Jewish and his dad was Greek—a Gentile. Timothy is there to show that the church is for everyone. It’s pretty clear that his background may have been an issue. In verse 5 Paul tells him he has good bones. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” Paul could see the church’s faith in Timothy.

Mentors also speak to our hearts. Just like Paul was a mentor to Timothy. Mentors walk us through discouraging times. How does their faith in us play a part?

Mentors remind us that God can take our good bones and build on them.

In verse 6, Paul tells Timothy to turn toward his gifts. “For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

Mentors remind us that our gifts are often our foundation.

Mentors tell us not to let our fears make us foolish.

In verse 7, Paul tells Timothy that fear keeps us from stepping out. It brings on the what-ifs. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Mentors encourage us not to shut down the house due to fear.

My mentor was my high school Senior English Lit teacher, Miss Onice Fields. I adored her. Although she mentored me in school, she became my official mentor many years later. She read my manuscripts and took great pleasure in marking them up with her red pen. I wrote about Miss Fields in my book, Anyone Seen My Rose-colored Glasses? The title of her story, “Miss Fields Was a Tough Old Bird.” I loved that we were able to reconnect and see each other.

Our faith helps us to recognize our good bones and puts an end to fear. It gives us strength through God’s power. Isn’t it amazing that God knows all of us—everything about us and loves us anyway? Use your heritage to build on your good bones. It’s the best gift you can give yourself.

Happy Mother’s Day!

It always makes my heart happy when I can spend time with all three of my girls. I’m so proud to be their mom.

Be sure to also remember our fallen soldiers on Memorial Day.

And that’s what I learned in Church……see ya next time!