What item in your closet should probably be thrown out? If somebody rummaged through my clothes, they’d most likely choose the ratty ol’ black sweater. It’s faded, a bit threadbare, and stretched out of shape. But it still hangs in my closet…for a reason.

When my mother passed away, my sisters and I packed up her clothes. We each took a few as mementos. I chose the black sweater, already worn with age.

If I feel a bit down, I slip my arms through the sleeves. It is almost as if my mom is hugging me once again. My mother was a deep believer even though she suffered the death of two children and my father becoming a POW in WWII. Through it all, she used her experiences to God’s glory and comforted many during her eighty-plus years on earth. When I wrap myself in that sweater, I feel her God-endowed wisdom and comfort.

Paul spoke of the comfort God gives us to pass on to others. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 13:3-4).

One day, after I am gone, maybe a family member will go through my clothes and wonder why I kept that old thing. If she feels the urge to slip her arms through its sleeves, I hope she’ll realize why.

Julie Cosgrove

Julie Cosgrove is an editor and writer for Cru Canada’s internet ministry, Power to Change. Her income, like any missionary’s, is dependent upon prayer and financial partners. She is also a professional speaker and a multiple award-winning author of ten novels with four more under contract.