In September of 2017, at a time of year when I typically would have returned to school, instead, I traveled to Berlin and ran the Berlin Marathon.
It was my first year of retirement and I wanted a big event to distract me from sad thoughts of the end of my teaching career after 31 years.
I injured my hamstring training for the marathon but at the time, I didn’t think the injury was serious and I was able to complete the race using a strategy of running and walking.
Even with the walking thrown in, 26.2 miles is a long way to travel. As I approached the end of the race, I was gassed.
The Brandenburg Gate, which I knew marked the end of the race, is a huge structure. I could see it beckoning me from a distance.
I passed through the columns, slowed to a walk, and stopped my watch.
What I didn’t know was that the gate wasn’t the very end of the race.
When I looked around, everyone near me was still running. The actual finish line was 200 yards ahead. I rolled my eyes, restarted my watch, and shuffled through the final painful fraction of a mile to the real finish line.
In 2012 Abel Mutai, a Kenyan Olympic medalist, made the same mistake, only with potentially more significant consequences.
Mutai was winning a cross-country race when, thinking the finish line was 10 meters before it actually was, suddenly stopped running.
Ivan Fernandez Anaya, the Spanish runner in second place, realized what had happened and, rather than passing Mutai and claiming victory, told the Kenyan to keep running.
Mutai, however, did not speak Spanish and did not understand what the Spaniard was saying.
Fernandez pushed the Kenyan toward the finish line, gesturing to make him understand he needed to keep running.
Mutai won the race.
When asked after the race why he did it, Fernandez told reporters Mutai deserved the win. He was ahead by 20 meters when he stopped running. He didn’t let the Kenyan win, he was going to win when he stopped.
Besides, the Spaniard asked, “What would my Mom think of that?”
When I was a teacher, many of my students wore a bracelet with the letters “WWJD” inscribed.
At first, I didn’t understand the significance of the letters, until one young woman explained to me they stood for “What Would Jesus Do?”
She wore the bracelet as a reminder to ask that question if she found herself in a morally ambiguous situation, she explained.
“Ah,” I said, thinking it was used mostly as a deterrent against pre-marital sex, which, of course, Jesus would never condone.
I don’t know if those bracelets are still in vogue these days, having been out of the classroom now for three years.
I like the sentiment behind the question, but for me, it’s sometimes too hard to imagine the answer.
Are we talking about the Jesus who humbly washed the feet of the Apostles? Or the Jesus whose first reaction, when approached by a Caananite woman to heal her daughter, was a hard pass?
The Jesus who preached “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy“? Or the Jesus who raged through the temple overturning tables and scattering money?
While I appreciate and understand the message of love, grace, freedom, and humility, I sometimes think we sanitize the man, the human being Jesus so undeniably was.
If I am realistic, I must admit there are many situations where I honestly don’t know what Jesus would do.
I, like Ivan Fernandez Anaya, find it easier to ask myself “What would my mom think of that?”
My mom was a confident, self-assured woman who did not waste her time with worry or second-guessing. She had the ability to figure out problems for herself and to try new things without fear of failure. Mom knew that even if she failed at a particular task, she herself was not a failure.
While no one could accuse her of hubris, she certainly had no patience with timidity.
When I sometimes find myself following my natural inclination to dither, fret, and dwell on minutiae, I ask myself what Mom would do in a similar situation and find the resolve I need to act decisively.
My mom was the most generous person I know, picking up checks, buying presents, slipping cash to her grandchildren, and giving her time to others without hesitation.
When I find my generosity lacking, I channel my mother’s spirit for the needed impetus to loosen my purse strings or enthusiastically offer my time.
What I remember most about Mom was her loving nature. My mother taught me not to hold grudges. Transgressions were forgiven completely and swiftly (after an appropriate punishment, if warranted). Mom let those close to her know how precious they were.
I first learned love and grace from my mother.
I have no problem with teenagers asking themselves “What would Jesus do?” if the question helps them to make good decisions.
Me, I think I will get a bracelet inscribed “WWMD?”
What Would Mom Do?
You can find the places I link up here.
how touching. I cried at the integrity of the spanish runner… I just watched a documentary on the asteroid hit that killed dinosaurs. It killed almost ALL life on earth, but not absolutely. When I think integrity this no longer expected or wanted because one powerful man now doesn’t believe in taking responsibility or fault, I must remember all life is not gone yet. All integrity is definitely not gone, I know many people who still act with grace and kindness, who take responsibility for their choices, and stand up for what is inherently right. Your post is powerful. Your posts make me think, and form opinions, and grow.
I also think there are a lot of important moral decisions to make these days, responsible sex is maybe not the most important among them. I imagine that bracelet would remind people of the golden rule too… do unto others as you have them do unto you. It’s a current lazy belief that one is allowed to get away with things that others should not be allowed to do… and it doesn’t work in society. Not in a peaceful society at least.
thanks so much, LeeAnna
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think integrity may be making a comeback in spite of the hate spewed by some in politics and mimicked by others on social media. My optimism says the pendulum is swinging in the other direction. I am so glad you find my posts useful. That is my hope when I write them.
LikeLike
Having integrity never goes out of style. That’s stellar sportsmanship!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is wonderful sportsmanship. A good example to us all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still have a “WWJD” ornament on my key chain, a gift from my daughter when she was in high school. I so treasure it! But you have brought up some good points here, Laurie. What, indeed, would Jesus do in some of the situations we currently find ourselves in? Something to deeply ponder, that’s for sure.
Blessings!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think when we ask ourselves WWJD, we are really asking what is the right thing to do? Jesus, of course, always made the good choice, the right choice. There were some instances described in Scripture, however, when His human side showed up. I think asking myself what my mom would do is sometimes easier for me to imagine. Blessings to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Forgive me, but I don’t think this was Jesus’ human side, but His Father’s. The Old Testament is filled with brazen injunctions to honor Him. I think that this is the mistake that too many of us make today, and I’ve fallen victim to this too many times. Simply, we need to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Once we do that, our paths are cleared. I’m still pulling up weeds!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right, Martha. I think we all work at pulling up the weeds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this post, Laurie! ❤ I am always amazed by how similar your mother and my mother were! I wonder if it is the generation they come from, or just a huge coincidence. Whatever the reason, I think it is always a great piece of advice to ask "what would Mom do?" Mothers always seem to know best! 🙂 ❤ And we were so blessed to have had the amazing mothers we had! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is amazing about our mothers, Anita. We were definitely blessed. My grandmother was a strong woman too. I hope my children think of me the same way I think of my mom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sure they do, and are very proud of their Mom! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw that story on Twitter and thought it was nice.
But I absolutely love that you picked it up and gave it the platform it deserves: it is a magical and powerful story.
Yes, what would my mother think? The world would be a different place if we’d think more like that.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I saw the story recently on social media too. When I researched it and saw it was from almost 8 years ago, I wondered why such an old story had been recently resurrected. It does have a great message. I admire the integrity of the Spaniard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would swap it to Dad, but it’s a question worth asking.
Years ago, I had a coworker who wore a WWJD bracelet. One day, he made a morally repugnant statement in front of several of us. I grabbed his wrist, pointed to the bracelet and said, “He’d probably slap you upside your head.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
I admire my dad’s integrity (and he was a politician!!!) but he was more of a mystery to me than my mom. I don’t know what he would have done in a lot of situations. Good for you for letting your coworker know his words did not measure up to his professed religion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a marvelous post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anne. I’m sure your kids ask themselves WWMD often!
LikeLike
Yes, my children probably ask themselves what I would do and promptly do the opposite!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! No way!!!
LikeLike
<3. Exactly, I have no idea what Jesus would do in many situations but I know what my mom would do. That's a pretty good standard to live by.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I had a wonderful role model in my mom. Now if I could only stop and ask myself WWMD more often before I make a decision.
LikeLike
Love this! You chose your mother well 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan. Yes, wasn’t I wise to pick such a good mother? 🙂
LikeLike
Love this post, I smiled reading it, could not help myself. I appreciate your comments about WWJD. Sometimes, it seems easy to oversimplify or assume to much. Love WWMD. Blessings, Michele
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Michele. My mom was a good role model. I think yours was too, from what I have read about her. Not perfect by any means, but good.
LikeLike
It sounds like you had an amazing mom. We all need someone in our life like your mom who is decisive as well as generous. God is that person for me. I love that your mom failed but knew she wasn’t a failure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I did have an amazing mom, Mary. God is that for me too, but mom was my earthly role model.
LikeLike
I’ve got a tshirt that says “What would Buffy do?” (as in Buffy the Vampire Slayer). But the first time I heard that was in The Jane Austen Bookclub (the movie). What Would Jane Do?
I love that story about the marathoners. Such good sportsmanship and I’m fairly certain though Fernandez couldn’t live with himself if he’d won when he felt he didn’t deserve it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha! I love that WWBD T-shirt! I would definitely encourage the girls in my class at school to channel Buffy. I loved the runner story as soon as I saw it. What integrity!
LikeLike
Great point that we are, for the most part, pretty ill-equipped to discern what Jesus would do.
Sounds as if your mum was a real gift.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My mom certainly was a gift. I miss her every day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your mum sounds amazing Laurie – she seems to model every character trait I aspire to! My mum is confident and outgoing and doesn’t worry about anything (your mum minus the grace!) and I often wonder how I missed those self-confident traits. I guess I’ll have to go with What Would Laurie’s Mum Do? as my mantra!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I wonder how I missed out on Mom’s self-confidence too. I certainly don’t have the amount she had. She was a wonderful role model.
LikeLike
I think the best thing anyone can do is be kind
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think Jesus would outright ban premarital sex. If it was done maturely, thoughtfully and lovingly, I think he’d say “well, go at it.” He doesn’t strike me as much of a rule follower. Plus those kids all got married at fourteen back then. I often remind Eli that if this was two thousand years ago, he’d have a wife and a job and no one to fetch him a waffle in the morning. The concept of my mother watching over my shoulder judging my actions would undoubtedly make me a better person. Something I noticed when I moved to Gettysburg, I became more patient and generous. Everybody know everybody. News of ill behavior spreads.
LikeLiked by 2 people
No, He definitely doesn’t strike me as a rule follower either. We get into trouble when we try to apply the mores of ancient Israel to today’s world. You might have a few more wives and some slaves, Jeff! I think living in Lititz has had the same effect on me. Many people in town know me since I have been a teacher in the high school for so long. 120 kids/year x 31 years = 3720 potential Lititz-ites.
LikeLike
Enjoyed reading your post. I found it very interesting and thought provoking. Also loved you sharing your story about your achievement upon retirement… Congrats!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much. I am glad you enjoyed the post!
LikeLike
I didn’t realize that happened in that marathon. How lovely to know that great mothers leave lasting impressions on their adult children! 😀
Bless you Laurie,
Jennifer
LikeLiked by 2 people
My mother certainly left a lasting impression on me! I can only hope I come close to that with my kids. Blessings to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Moms are great. Sounds like you had a wonderful example.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I did have a wonderful example, Denny.
LikeLike
That’s a moving story, and I appreciate you sharing it. I once watched a race where the two leading runners crossed the finish line holding hands. They weren’t professional runners but I expect sports to be about competition, which made it all the more moving.
As a non-Christian, I find your question, What would Mom think of that? a lot more useful than What would Jesus do? It crosses boundaries that the other one just can’t.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I would have loved to see the race where the co-winners crossed holding hands. What a cool thing to do. You are right – everyone has a mom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
First, what an awesome way to usher in retirement! And–what a fantastic story (as well as a great conversation starter!). All I was thinking while reading was how…if Fernandez had blown by Mutai to take first place, he’d have had to live with THAT. And what an awful win. By pushing Mutai he won so much more. What a fantastic story for BOTH of them to tell. I imagine a second place never felt so good.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are right – that would have been an awful win. It just goes to show, integrity is more important than victory. What a wonderful lesson!
LikeLike
I love this post, the gesture to help the other athlete and then saying what would Mum think, Mums (especially mine 😉) are the best ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Moms are the best! Mine certainly was!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing Laurie. And what an amazing display of sportsmanship by Ivan Fernandez Anaya. Even though my mom had been gone for a few years, I still think of “what would mom think?”
And what a neat analogy in the Christian life of What would Jesus do. Great post! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
We need more displays of sportsmanship these days. I like to celebrate when people do the right thing! 🙂 Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome. Did you run any other marathons? As per some of your other comments mine would be what would my dad do?
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have run about 30 marathons. I need to count them up. My dad had integrity too but my mom was more accessible. At least for me.
LikeLike
Whats that saying ” its not how you win but how you play the game”..Your mum sounds wonderful. I remember that race and all i could think of is how lovely that the spaniard did that. Too many people will jump hoops just to beat someone even if they are not better at it. #SeniSal
LikeLiked by 2 people
My mom WAS wonderful! Thank you. The Spaniard showed integrity. It should be celebrated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My mother and father were good role models too. Not perfect, but I definitely looked up to both of them. Sadly, they are gone now, but I still can hear their voices when I need some advice (even sometimes when I don’t think I need advice… but I do anyway).
LikeLiked by 2 people
My mom was not perfect either but I admire her integrity. And my dad’s. I now wish I had listened to my mom more often, but of course, I had to learn things the hard way sometimes! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, this is the blog post you said you would write about your mom when we were discussing our moms a week or so ago. Moms propped us up, gave us confidence and no one could ever take their place. You will also do her proud Laurie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Linda. Yes, this is the post I had in mind then. It took me a while to write it with all the interruptions. Our moms are unforgettable. We both are reminded of them often. Your mom would be proud of you too, Linda. (Except maybe in the cleaning department – my mom would be dismayed at the state of my house now!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a good post Laurie, and, yes, like me, we remember our moms and it is good to talk about their spirit, and what made them tick. It helps to keep their memory alive. My mom would be dismayed, maybe even horrified, at my housekeeping skills right now, but then she always said to me “I can just imagine how this house will look after I’m gone.” I guess prophetic was another quality of hers. 🙂 Hope you are doing better today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think we both think of our moms often and fondly, Linda. I am doing better today than I was Monday, but still pretty shaky.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we do think of our moms often and fondly and I find myself thinking about things she predicted and have happened. Often I see/hear something and wish I could share it with her, even now, 10 years later. Hugs to you Laurie – I know it is difficult.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Linda. I will take the hugs – even virtual ones! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know you need ’em Laurie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just a word for the dads here, Laurie, hehe! My mum died when I was quite young and dad took over both roles very well. And I, and my siblings, definitely have been influenced by his moral decency. What Would Dad Do? indeed! #SeniSal
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes! Let’s hear it for the dads’ integrity too. I’m sure your children will ask themselves WWDD!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember those bracelets and agree with you if they help someone behave in a gracious and respectful way, then I’m all for them. As for what my mother would do? She was known for her favorite saying so I’d say that my answer to “WWMD?” would be “waste not, want not”!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha! My mom hated waste too. Our moms were ahead of their times as good stewards of the environment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a successful mother who sets example for her children even after they reach adulthood and are mothers and grandmothers. I hope when my kids are parents, they’ll teach their kids what I taught them.
My mom is a great woman, and she taught me to remember that at the end of the day, I need to be able to look myself in the eyes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope the same thing for my grandchildren too. Your mom sounds like a wise woman.
LikeLike
My mom is in my head and sometimes she scolds me – yup, I know what mom would think of that.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha! My mom scolds me in my head too. Mostly about my lackadaisical approach to housecleaning! 🙂
LikeLike
Wow, Laurie. I had never heard the story about the Spanish runner. That is beautiful. Sometimes it is hard to think through what Jesus might do. Sometimes it’s helpful to have a righteous role model’s example to follow. My mom has been one of those people in my life. Though we haven’t agreed on everything, her life is one I consider when I have decisions to make. Her words are some I want to hear when I need clarity and a boost of confidence. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am so glad your mom is an inspiration to you, Jeanne. I’m sure one day your boys will say the same thing about you.
LikeLike
Really enjoyed reading this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Oh, what a beautiful story with the Kenyan and the Spanish runners!
I know I don’t live up to the life of my mother; she was so hospitable to all. And even less so do I live up to the life of Jesus. But I do appreciate asking the questions of not only WWJD but also what would my mother do. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I loved the story of the runners too. My mom was very active in her church and had Jesus’ loving spirit. I am forever trying to emulate both of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
YOU ran that race…Oh wow. An amazing memory, marking your end of teaching life and beginning…of ‘life’..Your Mum sounds wonderful. I am glad you can use her as a gauge like that. Thank you so much for linking up. We are more half way through the year now. Next week it’s time for: 27/51 Taking Stock #3 6.7.2020 so I look forward to seeing you then, on or off prompt. Denyse.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha! I like the way you think, Denyse. Retirement IS like the beginning of life, isn’t it? Now if this pandemic would just allow us to travel once again. Thank you for hosting. See you next week.
LikeLike
I like WWMD. Mothers are always the voices in our heads about what is ethically and morally right and wrong. My mom was not perfect, but she, with the help of dad, gave my brother and I excellent direction in these areas. I give them both much credit for helping us stay on our feet and win races. Great post, Laurie!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your mom (and dad) sound a lot like mine. We were lucky! Thanks, Mary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Abel Mutai’s story made me a little teary. We need to keep hearing stories like this. Sometimes people a bit too selfish and are happy to grab whatever they can get.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think too we need to hear positive stories right now more than ever!
LikeLike
I love your WWMD question, Laurie. I’ve always leaned more toward What Would Dad Do? in my thinking, but lately, as my older daughter prepares to leave for college, I’ve thought a lot more about my mom. Not just what she would have done, but what she DID do when I was in that phase of life. I see much to appreciate as I look back, especially when it comes to things that I struggle with as a mom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sure your girls will be asking themselves WWMD, Lois. The older we get the more we appreciate our moms (and dads)!
LikeLike
[…] What Would My Mom Think Of That? […]
LikeLike