“You Need a Mother Very Badly” by Brett Harris
she always used to say
And I agreed when loads of laundry needed washing
or when my stomach stole my lunch and
held it ransom for a midday snack, and I
always told her she was right
because it made her
Smile, knowing she was loved.
Then I left for college and suddenly what I needed was
George Washington’s face times five
Once for washing,
again for drying
And my face on a keycard
fed me three times a day
Sometimes more if I
could stash a snack in Styrofoam for later.
But I still called her on the phone and she
still told me I’d be lost without her, and I
always told her she was right
because it made her
Laugh, knowing she was loved.
Summer came and went, and she
never said, You need a mother very badly,
and we never told her we’d be lost without her
because it made her
Cry, knowing she was fading.
But life goes on, and we’re still living
lungs keep breathing, hearts keep beating
heavier perhaps, but steady as the world turns, and I
don’t always think about the reasons why
she needed to be needed so
because it always makes me
Weep…
knowing I was loved.
Copyright 2010 by Brett Edward Harris
September 10th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
This is beautiful… truly beautiful… thank you so much for posting.
September 10th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
That was very beautiful.
September 10th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Being a mother of 4 young children myself, THIS makes me weep. What a precious life she must have lived and you as well, while you had her. May the special favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your family as you continue to grieve and miss her.
September 10th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
This bring me to tears…very beautiful. I thank the Lord for Moms! May God continue to comfort you.
September 10th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
That was beautiful, simply beautiful.
September 10th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
This is truly a beautiful beautiful poem. Thank the lord for the blessing of are wonderful mothers.
September 10th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
That was very, very, very beautiful. That touched me so much!
September 10th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
aw this is very beautiful i know you have been blessed and i bet its hard losing your mom but she looking down at yall being so proud of yall God bless
September 10th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
I agree with everyone before me. That was beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us. Your mother must have been an amazing woman because she raised some amazing kids.
What a great legacy. Praying for you, Brett. And for your family.
~Sarah
September 10th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Brett, that was absolutely beautiful!
September 10th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
This poem was simply amazing! I need to go give my mother a big hug!
September 10th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
So truly sorry and I’ve been praying for you. This poem is truly felt with the heart.
September 10th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
This made me cry….may God give you strength to continue in courage and strength in Him…
September 10th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Oh Brett, that was so amazing. A lovely way of expressing the deep love you still have for your mother. I will continue to pray for you and your family. God is glorious, but this has been a difficult and deep loss for you all. May God be a comforter to you during this time.
Rachel
September 10th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Brett, I can’t even imagine what you guys are going through. I don’t even know what to tell you, for I have not been in a similar situation before; I can’t imagine loosing my mom. All I know, is that Christ lives, and that He loves you, and your mother, more than anyone else ever could; and now, she is with Him, rejoicing around His throne, waiting for you. May this be an encouragement to you, and Alex as well. You are in my prayers, brother.
September 10th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
So beautiful Brett. That brought tears to me eyes. I know, as one of the above posters said, I can’t ever imagine losing my mom, so I can’t even begin to fathom what you are going through. I’m praying for your family in your loss.
September 10th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
This poem left me breathless. Thank you so much for sharing, Brett. I and my family are continuing to keep you all in prayer. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”- Deuteronomy 31:8. Blessings to you.
September 10th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
What a beautiful poem; thanks for sharing that. I am close to tears reading it. We’ve been praying for you and your family.
September 10th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
mmm. so beautiful. and sad. and true. My sympathy. God bless you.
September 10th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
This is a beautiful, tender poem. Thank you for sharing, I will continue to pray for you and your family. God bless you all!
September 10th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Brett, this is so sweet and precious…thanks for sharing.
September 10th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
That’s beautiful, Brett! She was awfully proud of you all. Thanks for sharing…continuing to pray for all of you since her passing.
September 10th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Thank you, Brett, for sharing. This shows the love that you have for you mother and family. May God be your comfort and peace…
How Great is the Love, by Meredith Andrews…recommended song.
September 10th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Am I the only person tearing up? I sure do hope not - that was so beautiful. PLus you can actually write poetry, while others can rhyme but can’t have the beat — you have both which makes for a beautiful poem. God Bless - and my prayers are with you and your family
♥
Abby
September 10th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
This is heartbreakingly beautiful. My heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing this with us.
September 10th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Well you’ve just made me weep… ; )
God is holding you Brett…
Remember that the love your mother did such a beautiful job expressing was coming from His heart… ; ) He delights in you.
September 10th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Weeping…thanking God for such a mother…praying that I can be the same.
September 10th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Absolutely beautiful, Brett. I can tell how much your mother meant to you!
September 10th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
That was so beautiful and touching!
September 10th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
Sir that could not have been better done in a million years! I believe and know she is looking down on you and your brothers as you grow and serve the Lord, she is with. I encourage you sir to not stop with the blog but keep it going, as life goes on. You and your brothers with the books you have written, have helped me so much in my walk with the Lord. I know it is all because of how she and your father raised you both. May our Lord bless you. She had to be an amazing person to know.
September 11th, 2010 at 12:07 am
That…was incredible. I’m crying. Thank you for sharing your heart, and for being such an amazing example. Through your love for Christ and passion for others, you’ve had such an incredible impact on many people, including myself, and your mother sounds like a wonderful woman who I’m sure played a huge part in shaping your life. I can’t imagine what you and your family are going through right now, but please knowd that myself (and I’m sure many others) are praying for you. May you feel the loving arms of Jesus giving you comfort at the moments you most need it.
September 11th, 2010 at 6:56 am
That was so tender and sweet! Thank you so much for sharing. I am praying for you.
September 11th, 2010 at 7:16 am
Wow . . . . . . . . . . . I almost cried. Thank you so much, Brett, for helping me to appreciate my own mom better. Thank you so much.
September 11th, 2010 at 8:39 am
Moving
September 11th, 2010 at 8:44 am
That was great. It reminds me of all the people I’ve loved and lost. And reading it today, almost made me cry. Thanks for posting this!
September 11th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Wow. I was really moved. Thank you for sharing that. I am praying for you and your family.
September 11th, 2010 at 8:49 am
Brett, that was amazingly sweet.
I’m close to tears now. I am definitely praying for all of you, and I know God will continue the work in each one of you that He has begun. 
In Christ,
Kaitland
September 11th, 2010 at 9:33 am
This was wonderful. Now a mother of 4 this means so much,but much more because when I was 20 I lost my mother to cancer. There are no words to comfort you but this I would like to share. She will always be with you, Her words, the verses she loved, the songs she sang, the funny little (or not so funny at the time) quotes she would like to say will NEVER cease coming to mind long into old age. I believe its God’s way of saying I LOVE you!! Peace will come. Thank you for this ministry.
September 11th, 2010 at 10:01 am
Oh wow! Now I’m weeping myself.. so sad and I’m so sorry for your loss (though that seems to barely cover your pain, I’m sure). I’m praying for you guys and I know our God will bring comfort to your heart. Think about the things that are good and lovely and all those times you had with your mother. That brought me peace after I lost my grandmother last month. God bless you!!
September 11th, 2010 at 10:27 am
Aww, that’s so sweet and beautiful, Brett.
September 11th, 2010 at 10:37 am
“These momentary light afflictions are producing an eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Will pray for you and your family, Brett, during this difficult trial…
~Rebekah
September 11th, 2010 at 11:24 am
That was lovely.
September 11th, 2010 at 11:42 am
What a beautiful song of praise. gratefulness, and love. Thank you for sharing your feelings Brett.
Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
September 11th, 2010 at 11:49 am
That was amazing. it was full of love and praise. I loved it.
September 11th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Amazing- thank you for sharing, Brett. You’ve put your heart on your sleeve. You and your family are in my prayers. Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us.
September 11th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
That was great, Brett. Thank for the reminder to be thankful for what we have while we have it. I’m still praying for you and your brother.
September 11th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
What else is there to say… I agree with everyone else. Thanks for posting this. Your family is still in my prayers…
September 11th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Beautiful. Lovely. God and Mother honoring. Stay strong.
September 11th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
It makes you stop and think what precious gifts mothers are and how little they are told. you can just take them for granted. How i thank the Lord Jesus Christ for my dear Mother. I pray that God continues to strengthen you, Brett, and fill that void in your heart. Kimberly
September 11th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
That was truly beautiful, Brett! I was at work when I read it, and almost started crying. I’m definitely reminded to thank God for the parents that I have every day. Praying for you and your family!
Be blessed,
Hannah O
September 11th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Brett, that is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever read. I am so touched! Your mom continues to be an insparation to us all. I’m still praying for you and your family. God bless you all!
September 11th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
So very sweet and true! Honestly brought tears to my eyes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this. Bless you.
September 11th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Praying for you and your family!!
Great Poem!
September 11th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
wow. I am in awe of this. it is so heartfelt and moving. Thank you.
September 11th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
This brought tears to my eyes. I know that sometimes words are not enough and honestly just can not help when our hearts are so heavy so just know I am lifting you and your family up in prayer during this very difficult time. The Lord Jesus will sustain you and carry you and will never leave you or forsake you!
September 11th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
I remember.
September 11th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Thanks Brett, your amazing!
September 11th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Good stuff!
September 12th, 2010 at 12:15 am
This is so touching!!! thank you for posting this!!
September 12th, 2010 at 12:31 am
Brett, this poem was lovely. You had a truly fantastic mother. I hope I can be as good a mother to my children as your mom was to hers. As a girl who has grown up without her mother, it is a blessing to hear how other people love, respect, and cherish their moms. They are a blessing not to be taken for granted! May God hold and comfort you through the difficult times ahead.
September 12th, 2010 at 2:35 am
WOW! That had me crying!
September 12th, 2010 at 5:38 am
This breaks my heart.
A Jesus-centred mother is an incredible treasure! Thank You, God.
September 12th, 2010 at 6:21 am
you’re truly an inspiration. God has used you tremendously and
your family. i believe god has great plans for this to happen. i
believe you’ll go through this difficult time of your lives… stay faithful…
and continue to be a blessing. god bless you!
September 12th, 2010 at 6:55 am
I was thinking of you guys this morning. Thank you so much for sharing that Brett.
September 12th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Ah, this brought a tear to my eye. God surely blessed the world when he created Mothers. Thanks for sharing this with us. ♥
September 12th, 2010 at 11:15 am
That was extremely touching. You are in our prayers
September 12th, 2010 at 11:39 am
So true, and you are so blessed to have the knowledge that you shared your love with your mom and told her you loved her.
September 12th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Wow, just as everyone has been saying. . .that was beautiful. So, so, so, sweet, I will be prayig for you all!
-Abigail <
September 12th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
I really love the poem,
Y’all have our love and support
September 12th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Wow! As everyone has been saying, that almost made me cry! Praying for you guys as you continue to live and grow in the Lord, as she trained you to do! Keep on keeping on!
September 12th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
That was very beautiful. My family will be praying for you and your family.
September 12th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
I was able to speak to you both in person yesterday, but I reiterate now, that I am daily praying for you and your family. It brings tears to my eyes to only imagine losing either of my parents, and so I cannot fathom how you all feel. Nevertheless, the Lord is faithful; indeed I was able to witness His great faithfulness in your lives just by spending time with you yesterday. Thank you for sharing your heart, Brett, and thank you both for allowing these circumstances to reach countless others for the Kingdom.
God bless you!
September 12th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
This made me cry. I will be praying for your family and for others to be affected by your clear show of faith and confidence in the Kindgom of Heaven!
September 12th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
SO sweet! It made me think about how I need my mother. It is so easy to take our mothers for granted. It’s easy for us to look at them disrespectfully and be annoyed because of their ways sometimes, but mom is the one who we all owe the most to. And we all need her. In so many ways.
I will pray for you Brett!
September 12th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Looks like I wasn’t the only one crying…
I’m praying for you guys.
September 12th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
I will keep praying for you and your family.
September 13th, 2010 at 12:46 am
I know what losing a much loved family member is like. But His grace is sufficient! May He continue to pour it out on your family as He has done for me and mine! Beautiful piece of poetry, btw.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Truly truly truly a touching write up, i may say..
Keeping you in our prayers. =)
September 13th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Dear Alex and Brett,
My family and I are praying for you and your family. Your mom had a gift from God, in that she made everyone feel like they were so special to her, because they were. She truly loved as Jesus loved. Every time I saw her, I felt so encouraged in my Christian walk, even though I only saw her briefly. Beautiful poem, thank you for sharing it.
It’s ok to grieve.
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
1 Thess 4:13-17
Love in Christ,
Ellen and the Davis family
September 13th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Dear Alex and Brett,
September 13th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
brett very beautiful poem i like it make’s me cry…thanks for posting this… i’m praying for u brett and all ur family….god bless u more
September 13th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Beautiful, so incredibly beauitful. We are lifting up your family in prayer.
September 13th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
wow, this poem is very moving! it makes me cry!
I’ll continue to pray for your family.
September 13th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Absolutely lovely, Brett. It makes me cry. It makes me so thankful for my family.
September 13th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Maybe the change can be started in our houses, loving and showing that we can love. That was a beautiful poem, absolutely.
September 13th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Your poetry is beautiful, the message is beautiful, and I know your mother was beautiful too. There are dark times in life, and they can hit really hard, and weeping can take the sting away. I pray for you, Brett, and your family with all my heart, for loss can be bitter, but sweet, for you can always know that your mother is with God. Anyone losing the mother who has guided them and who loved (and who still does even when absent), who you loved is terrible.
I am praying for you all.
Rebecca
September 13th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Thats beautiful Brett.
Always praying for you and Alex
Blessings,
Meggie
September 14th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
How strange that I just read the article about your mother in the HSLDA Homeschool Court Reporter last night. Then found the link to this on facebook this morning. What a wonderful woman you were blessed with as your mother! Praying for you family as you continue to grieve. Thank you for sharing this with us. It brought tears to my eyes!
September 14th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Beautiful. You’re mom was blessed to have a son like you, just like you were blessed to have a mother like her. What a great reunion there will be one day!
September 14th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
This is really well-written, and more than that–real. I love that you’re honest, but that you keep holding onto hope and perspective. God bless you! God is doing so much through your faithfulness to His Kingdom and cause!
September 14th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
This poem is beautiful and very touching. Thanks for sharing it.
I’m praying for you guys and your family.
September 15th, 2010 at 10:19 am
This is really beautiful Brett. It make me think about how much I need my mom and would be lost without her. Thanks for posting!
September 15th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
This poem made me cry! Praying for you guys and your family!
September 15th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Dear Alex and Brett,
The poem was beautiful and so true! It helps me realize how important my own mother is… thank you so much! I am praying for yall, knowing that must be so difficult… Thank you for all you do to encourage me! Praying for you and your family….
September 15th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
I ache for something to say… but I know that no clumsy words of mine will help you in your deep grief. I just needed to thank you for sharing this with all of us… even those of us who have not lost our mothers need to be reminded why we need them and how much we love them. It’s in this feeling of helplessness before those who are in such pain (including some of my own family members right now) that I am reminded how glad I am that my God sustains. I am hit in the face with the reality that He IS here… right now, as I type…it knocks me down and lifts me up in joy. I know that you too depend only on His strength, and it is through that that you are able to bless so many even though you are hurting so much.
I thank you.
Your sister,
~Meg
September 15th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
oi Alex e Brett to muito Feliz com o livro de vc’s
ele esta me ajudando muito com minha familia todos
acham que não sou capaz de fazer nada tudo eles duvidam de mim
vc’ são doi anjos “angel boys” master big gold in my life
September 15th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
i am Brazilian i love your book
September 15th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
i am Brazilian i love your book vrey special for my life
September 15th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
I just came to the blog to check in on how things were going for two young men that helped me start a revolution in our youth group. I am saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. I will be praying for your family. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful poem.
September 16th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Oh, Holy Spirit, hear the ache in my heart and translate it into the prayer that I don’t know how to express, but that You know Brett and each in his family need right now.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Oh, I grieve with you right now. Thank you so much for sharing your heart — and powerfully.
My Grandfather just passed away on Saturday, and it’s been one of the hardest things of my life. I, too, tried to honor him with a poem, and would like to join with you in remembrance of those we love by pasting it here.
Blessings to you and the entire Harris Family.
Sincerely,
Caleb Jennings Breakey
Refining Teen Writers and Readers into Rock Stars
LOVE & LEGACY
By Caleb Jennings Breakey
WRITER’S NOTE: This poem is dedicated to my grandpa, Raymond Jennings Breakey (Pop-Pop), who passed away on Sept. 11 at the age of 89 after a battle with cancer. Here, I strive to show a man whom words fail to capture. I have the privilege of carrying Pop-Pop’s middle name, and regular Tribune readers will from now on recognize that addition to my byline.
Let me show you, Pop-Pop, all your family ‘round your bed. Can you hear us whispering? We’re snuggled by your head.
Your eyes are squinted open, you’re breathing through this mask. Yet nothing’s ever stopped you, not a mountain, not a task.
I really can’t believe my eyes, this scene is nothing true. How can life go on tomorrow, without the never-changing you?
You never asked for anything, just did what needed done. Your gentle eyes subdued us, your stories always fun.
You’ve loved your family in a way most other men can’t claim; you’ve toiled long and hard for us, not once you spoke of pain.
I want to hold your hand forever, can’t let go of who you are. You’re everybody’s favorite, Pop-Pop, you’re everybody’s star.
The way you watched us Christmas morning, rockin’ your old brown leather chair; you invested love in each of us—Pop, this isn’t fair.
Can’t we have more time with you, a day to show our love? How can this be the hour, for you to meet the One above?
We know your heart is slowing, doctor says it hardly beats; I find there’s nothing greater now than warming your cold feet.
How can I give what you gave to me? I’ve wasted so much time. All the great-great love between us seemed always on your dime.
My tears are overtaking, my mouth it quivers strong; how long have you been hurting, have I missed it all along?
I press my lips close to your ears, I know that you can hear; God sent his Son for sinners, Pop-Pop, ask Him to come near.
They say they must now take you, my eyes they sting of red; I pray to the Lord Jesus that your soul is fully fed.
From today shall come tomorrow, and tomorrow we must cope; we hurt and cry and grieve for you, yet cling to precious hope.
As we hold each other closely, Pop-Pop, our hearts they ache anew; for we are a love and legacy, and we are because of you.
September 16th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Wow. Thank you Brett for sharing this sweet, heart breaking poem.
I too am at a loss for words, but know my prayers are with you and your family. I think of her often too.
September 17th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Beautiful poem, Brett! I’m praying for your family!
September 17th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
I’m a twelve year old boy and I love my Mom. I’m looking forward and not looking forward to when I go off to college. This poem is great!
September 17th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
So true and beautiful. I’m praying for you guys as I know many are. God never gives us more than we can handle through His strength. Thanks for posting this remarkable poem.
September 18th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
That was so sweet. She sounds incredibly wonderful. Now she is with the Lord and you will see her again. I will be praying for you all. I have been touched by this, may the Lord truly bless you and give you strength to go on. It must be so hard, I’m so sorry. What a beautiful way to show your love for your mother. God bless you~
September 19th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
I’m so sorry about your mom. It’s sounds like she was a wonderful woman. I’ll be praying for you.
September 20th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Wow. This poem is amazing. It’s sad but it tells people what they need to know. Everyone needs a mother. Even if its just someone that takes care of them and lets them know they are loved. I live with my grandparents so I know how it is not to have my mom around. And I have lost both my great-grandparents to luekemia. I pray everything turns out alright for you.
Samantha.
September 20th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Gosh, Brett - you got it so right. I’m also one of those lucky ones who has been blessed with a great mom too and you couldn’t have put it more accurately what they do for us. I bet she’s looking down from heaven on you and your brother Alex and she’s super proud of the work you guys are doing. I’ll be praying for you - thanks for the reminder of what these moms really do for us. Yours must have been a great woman.
September 20th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I’m really sorry for your loss.
September 21st, 2010 at 6:38 am
That’s so cute. Your poetry is wonderful. I hope things are going okay.
September 21st, 2010 at 11:51 am
Thank you for writing that. It’s so sweet and very true.
I will be praying for you as well as your family through the healing process.
Ephesians 6: 10- 18
September 21st, 2010 at 6:19 pm
I have deep compassion for you all. Life does not always work out the way we imagine. But God is up above…seeing all of the pieces of the puzzle. We only see our little piece. So if we leave it to Him, He has much better control than if we were to take it into our own control. May God bless and help you.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:17 pm
We’ve never met, I read your book this week. I’m 31, married 10 years, father of 4, former college president (got the job at 27), current associate/youth pastor (nice ladder climbing eh!), business owner, Canadian and US citizen (explaining why I said eh earlier), and fellow brother awaiting the return of Jesus. I was so moved by your book and kept asking myself, ‘how can I be like their parents, what can I glean here for my own family, etc…’ I came to your blog today to read of the passing of your mother and I mourn with you at her loss yet long with you as well for the day she will receive the glorious inheritance in the saints - she will be resurrected when Christ returns and rule and reign with Him on a fully restored and flawless earth!
Not sure I’ve ever felt so much for a strangers loss before. May the Lord strengthen you all in the hope of glory that is yours.
Ken Krause
September 23rd, 2010 at 10:45 pm
This was wonderful… made me cry… I have no idea what I would do if I lost my mother…
September 24th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Beautiful portrait of your relationship with your Mom. I’m sure she was blessed to have a son like you. She’s probably smiling…
God bless,
Amy
September 24th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Writing is a good way to understand your thoughts.
Life is hard. Bad things — terrible, disgraceful, shouldn’t-ever-happen-to-anyone things — happen. Here, in this broken world full of broken people, we steadily realize that we too are broken.
And being broken makes us stronger. Somehow, we grow strong with pain.
I don’t know God’s thoughts — I wish I did — but His thoughts toward you and your family are perfect.
September 24th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
I’m sorry your mom died.
September 25th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
So beautiful. My mother’s been gone for 48 now. I still need a mother at times!!! Nurture your gift of writing. It IS a gift!!
September 25th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
That was… 48 years ….
September 25th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Beautiful
September 25th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
this is very beautifull brett hope your family can get through this hard time…
September 26th, 2010 at 10:15 am
That is so sad and beautiful…. I am still praying for you guys.
September 26th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
thats some real stuff… my prayers are with you.
September 27th, 2010 at 12:16 am
i don’t know that you know how special you all are. how incredibly loved and touched.
I don’t know that you know how much you are loved
how many you touch
how good your work is here on earth.
I don’t know that people thank you
for all you are
and how all you do is not in vain.
I don’t know that you have been encouraged lately.
but i thought i should let you know.
that what you do is worthwhile. and though we do not all see.
God sees and he will reward your diligencce.
i don’t know that you know.
but perhaps you do.
and you just needed a little reminder.
Bless.
September 27th, 2010 at 4:47 am
i can reLate to this! i miss my mOm, BADLY!
September 27th, 2010 at 4:49 am
I can reLate to this. I miss my mOm, BadLy!!
September 27th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Beautiful, Brett. Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
September 28th, 2010 at 9:11 am
That is so cool! really touching!
September 28th, 2010 at 11:09 am
This is a beautiful poem! I praise God for the life you mother lived and the way she blessed the world through her children! thank you for sharing Brett!
September 28th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Made me cry, Brett. We can’t thank God enough for our Moms.
Praying for you. God bless.
September 28th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Like the poem. It made my mom cry when she read it. I’m praying for your family each and every day.
September 28th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
It makes me rethink how I take my parents for granted. I am praying for you each and every day.
September 29th, 2010 at 2:11 am
that was truly amazing , if one thing helps when u loose a loved one , is when u pray to God , their right there listening to your prayer and in times when u feel lost ,
when you find that small comfort inside yourself it’s them keeping strong .
September 30th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
im so blessed because of your book. God will bless the both of you!
October 1st, 2010 at 5:05 am
nice….gr8….SO TRUE :’)
October 1st, 2010 at 9:06 am
oh how beautiful. it made me cry reading this. i suppose you still need a mother very badly, i guess that wont ever go away.
October 1st, 2010 at 9:17 am
This is so sweet, Brett! I started to cry. I’m still praying for you and your family.
October 1st, 2010 at 3:13 pm
wow that is sooo sweet!!! I felt like crying, thanks so much for posting that, me and my mom have been going through some pretty tough times and it just reminds me how much i really do need her. Keep posting tons <3
October 1st, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Wow that as amazing Brett! It made me cry! Thank you for posting that; because it is so full of truth–we do need mothers. I’m very sorry ofr your loss, Harrison family! I am still praying for ya’ll!
God bless ya’ll!
October 1st, 2010 at 3:39 pm
oops sorry correction: that was amazing. =-]
October 2nd, 2010 at 10:46 am
Very moving, Brett. I just recently lost my grandfather, so I can somewhat relate. Will keep praying for you.
October 2nd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Truely, sensational….people can’t understand the value of ones life unless they know how the world feels without them…Plz learn to love nd show love 2 people who still live……or then it might be 2 late
October 2nd, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Wow, it makes me thank God for my mom. excellent job by the way on the poem! Me being a poet myself, I really enjoyed reading it!
October 4th, 2010 at 9:18 am
Thanks a millon for the book….its really helpful and encourages me to DO HARD THINGS FOR MY CREATOR!!
October 4th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Hello.
I just stopped by to look around, and I read this! Wow, that is inspiring and beautiful! So sorry for your loss though.
I have never read any of your books yet, although I’d love too. I have y’alls button on my blog since I really support what y’all are doing for the glory of God. I will be praying for your family right now and you will be in my thoughts.
Again, absolutely beautiful! God Bless!
~Rose <3
1 Corinthians 13:6 (King James Version)
“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth”
October 6th, 2010 at 2:10 am
That was heart-wrenchingly beautiful. Thank you.
October 6th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Thanks for posting.
i look at my mom differently ever since we thought she had breast cancer. i do really need my mom, for many many reasons. i couldn’t even name all of those reasons.
i am so sorry for your loss, and i will be praying fo ryou.
~Savannah
October 9th, 2010 at 10:21 am
beautiful…i’m reading your book and it’s so good.
October 9th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
That was touching and haunting and beautiful all at the same time. Mothers indeed are the most important aspect of life, and I treasure mine more than anyhting in the world. I’m deeply sorry for your loss, and am praying for you guys. Your book, which I started this morning, has finally put into words what I have been trying to understand for years. “Do Hard Things” has already begun to change my life. Thank you for everything you and your brother have done to change and better the youth of the world.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:42 am
One of the most moving and beautiful things that I have read. . . I am praying for you in this hard time. It may sound trite, but fix your eyes on Jesus. HE is the author and perfecter of your faith and he will not let you fall. He loves you. Thank you for your service to him. Blessings, Janine
October 12th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Moms are awesome. We really need to say a big “thanks” for all they’ve done for us!
October 13th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
[...] http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2010/09/you-need-a-mother-very-badly-by-brett-harris/ [...]
October 13th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
“Nothing gives me greater joy that to hear my children are following the way of truth.”
III John 4
October 13th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Beatifully written poem ,brett.I lost my mother this spring,also to colon cancer and I know the pain of saying goodbye… Praise God, through Jesus goodbyes don’t have to be forever!
October 14th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Awesome poem.You know this is the first time I went to your blog and Im not disappointed(AT ALL).Your blog is WONDERFUL like so bad your book too.Really great.I love your ideas and Im so inspired of what you wrote thier (Do HARD things).<3
October 14th, 2010 at 6:55 am
But wait I forgot to tell you this you are so lucky to have your MOM,not like me I live with m grandmom and aunt since I was 5 months young because of something I cant hardly understand for almost fifteen years.Your poem almost made me cry because I never really felt a true MOTHER’S LOVE before but Im contented of my life (I guess).
October 14th, 2010 at 10:00 am
Wow… that was good. It makes me think of people who have been a mother figure in my life. I love it. It almost sounds like a poem i would have written… although you did much better.
Great JOB!
Sincerely,
Kimberly
October 14th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
the most true words ive heard in months
October 16th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Brett and Alex and the entire Harris family,
I wish I could say something that would take away even just a little of the pain from losing a family member. It is not easy to watch them fade away. I watched and cared for one of my family members as well. Please know that I am praying for your family that God will continue to pour His grace out to sustain you through the weaknesses and grief that death can cause. Also, I rejoice with you all that we will see our family members again someday in heaven!
To God alone be the glory!
October 17th, 2010 at 10:59 am
That made me cry. I’m praying for your family as you go through this.
October 19th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
The poem is beautiful, I write a bit myself and appreciate good poetry, but rarely would it make me cry. This poem did make me tear up a bit. I have a normal relationship with my mom, nothing spectacular though, I guess this poem helps me appreciate more. What really made me cry was the submission of the writer to their mother, you can really grasp how much love there is for their mother and just how much they appreciate her. I think that it is the most wonderful thing ever, a son so devoted to his mom.
I hope that your lives will grow stronger in God in this hard time. Prayers are being sent up for from all over.
Praise in the storm, rejoice in the Light
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Thank you so much for being so personal and posting this for the world to see. I think it is a very special and touching thing–that your mother would be so proud of. I admire you and your family for being so strong throughout your trials and depending on God. You have been a source of encouragement for many other families going through the same thing, I am sure. And I hope writing this poem helped you–my cousin’s father died a few years ago and she also wrote a very painful but special poem about her life without him. We will be praying for your family.
October 23rd, 2010 at 10:00 pm
This poem is really wonderful. I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. I pray for you as you go through this hard time. Praise the Lord that, in Him, death is not the end!
I’ve never commented here before, but i read the blog often. I am 18 years old and am truly encouraged to see young people striving after the Lord and to see the two of you encouraging so many people. Sons who love and respect their mothers so truly and deeply are few and far between. Thank you for that, and for rising above in so many other ways. You encourage so many people!
Blessings,
Sophie
October 25th, 2010 at 8:10 am
i used to hate it when mom keeps on saying i can’t go to the university, far from home and far from her, she said i always forget important things and there will be no mom and dad that will help me in the big city. i felt bad because i thought she never trusted me.. but after i read this, such beautiful poem, i can’t keep the tears falling down my face, the emotion is just too sharp it pierce through.. now i realized, now i know, i am loved more than anything or anyone in this world by mom.. thanks brett for this wonderful poem. thank you so much..
October 28th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
What a wonderful gift mother’s are!!! One of my friends said it’s just “see ya later” type of thing.
October 28th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
I totally agree with you. My mom is loving, and caring, and puts others before herself. I honestly don’t know what I could do without her!!!
November 8th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
This is so beautiful! And true. I think if all of us would love our mothers with a caring love that knew that we won’t get anything in reward but her love and appreciation.
Thank you so much for sharing.
November 9th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
This is so beautiful! It is a wonderful description of things. We do often forget to tell our moms how much they are loved and appreciated.
November 12th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Brett, This too brought me to tears. I am learning grief is a process after losing my mom to lung cancer in April of this year. Some days are good, filled with the busyness of life and other days….quiet days are more difficult giving me time to sit and think about “her”. I miss my mom as you miss yours. She was an unbelievable Mom and I am so thankful to have had her for almost 39 years of my life. I look forward to the day I will meet up with her in Heaven as you will yours. Thank you for sharing this. Prayers for you and your family.
November 13th, 2010 at 4:54 am
Hey, I just started reading the book “Do hard things” I was in Koorong which has thousands of books to choose from and I only had 10 minutes to decide so this one stood out to me
I myself have a website. I enjoy drawing pictures from bible verses as my hobby
I have just put a blog onto my website and am starting to upload some of my drawings Ive done for bible verses,
Feel free to check it out;
http://petrolsart.webs.com/apps/blog/
November 17th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
I love to see how much your mom cares for you you…Even though she is gone, I hope you love others how she loved you.
November 24th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
i cried when i read this! it’s touching, beautiful, and very creative!
i’m sry for your loss Harris family. God be with you. 
December 17th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Your family is so blessed by God to be able to be one of those few families who are close! Its just so sad that a lot of teenagers that don’t know God like you guys do are close to their parents!
December 17th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Brett, I cannot really know what your grief and comfort in Christ must be, even six months on. I have read of Mrs. Harris in the Harris books, and when I hear of her, I think of my own Mum. To the extent that I am able, I grieve with you. My prayers are with you and your family.
Kindly,
Cassie.
December 18th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
I’ve always appreciated my mom, but now just so much more so. The poem was incredible to say at the very least, and very beautiful. God bless!
December 20th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Im shocked at what I heard. I am 12 and read your book begining to end today. This is the first time iv been on your website, and I was astonished to see that the first thing I read was about your mom. Iv always counted my self unluckey that my parents divorced when I was 1. But I have stepmom and dad and 3 siblings to love.You have aroused me to see the fates of others. At first I expected you would be miserible, but then I rememberd that she is living an ever lasting life beside the throne of God. She is complety happy there, and I hope that you are pleased that she is away from pain. I can see from your poem that your dedication to your family is strong. You have made me think about my choir teacher at church. She likes to sing. But she does it for God instead of money.without that dedication, it would be an empty thing. You have made me truly thankful for all I have. I have always done the minumum in all I did, but that wouldnt be doing hard things. Keep showing your faith, and someday you will run through the streets of heaen into your moms arms. God has blessed your famly greatly. I have also come for info. I have trouble distributing my opinoin.Any Questions about my opinoin I take as an insult. Id like help. say hi to Alex for me
P.S.When I first heard your name , I thought you were a girl!
December 20th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Im so sorry to hear about your mom. But I am glad to know that you guys are followers of our heavenly father… and that she will be taken care of in her everlasting home. It would be very hard for me to go through what you are going through, may family means a lot to me and it would be very difficult to lose on of them. I makes me very appreciative for them knowing that they could be gone in a minute. Keep strong in your faith and you will be all right though and make it through this hardship that God has faced you with. He believes in you and knows that you can make it. I just started this book earlier today after my little brother told me what a good book it was. He was right it is amazing. Thank you for writing it for us all to read. I hope that I will get to read more books that you have written or will write. God Bless You and your family.
P.S.-My brother wants you to write more books especially about building family relationships.
December 20th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
sorry i meant to put the last one down as from me but i put it down as from my little brother bobby.
December 20th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Id like you to know that bobbys really cool. and loves your book
December 20th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
sorry he thinks he is but he was messing around with mine:P…but i love him no matter what… and who knows… he could be gone in a flash without me having ever got a chance to say goodbye or that i love him…and he can be pretty cool most of the time:)…
December 21st, 2010 at 8:33 pm
I wish I could say how much of a blessing you have been to me! but no words can describe it! You have opened my eyes to the Glory of God. And, even though I don’t know you, you feeel like family to me. And I can’t say how sad I am to hear that your mother is gone. Yet I am SO happy! She is now with her Father with no pain and no sorrow. God Bless You Alex And Brett Harris. I love you all!
–Kiana
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:11 am
Kiana said pretty much said it all! I will be adding you to my prayer list. I can’t wait to meet your mom in Glory! ~Taylor
December 28th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
im new to this whole rebelution thing and ive never meet any if you, but this poem was so incredible and heartfelt. very very moving. i know i dont appreaciate my mom as much as i should but this was so sweet and shifted my perspective on how i should treat my mom. i cant imagine what you guys are going through but my prayers are with you. blessings,
julianna
December 30th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
This really touched me. I have recently finished breast cancer treatment at the young age of 37. My children are 12 & 9, so I have struggled much with the thought of not being there for them. What a beautiful legacy your mother has left.
January 3rd, 2011 at 8:04 pm
I can’t imagine this 186th comment from someone whom you’ve never spoken to before will mean much (there’s not even a guarantee you’ll find the time to read this), but I feel like, after reading your poem, I should leave something. Between the chords your poem struck in my heart and the tears spilt after reading Caleb Jenings Breakey’s as well, I am touched. My 11 year old cousin, Carley, passed away this summer from a rare kind of cancer (along with my grandfather recently-though not of cancer) and I’ve dealt with a similar heartache. Often times, I find that songs comfort me and help me express the grief I feel. One in particular is “I Still Miss You” by Hawk Nelson:
—
“I Still Miss You”
There she was, 5′3 a picture of my mother’s mother
She showed me love, and all the ways of God
Her final days were spent in bed where she passed away
I won’t forget her smiling face when she left us that night
But I still miss you
All the times we spent together
To hear you talk about the weather
I always prayed you’d get well soon
I wish my prayers came true
I know Jesus has the answer
And He’s way bigger than the cancer in you
But I still miss you
If dreams came true, just one more chance to talk to you
And thank you for the time you spent teaching me the truth
A boy back then, I’ve grown up, now I’m a man
I can finally understand the things you said to me
But I still miss you
All the times we spent together
To hear you talk about the weather
I always prayed you’d get well soon
I wish my prayers came true
I know Jesus has the answer
And He’s way bigger than the cancer in you
But I still miss you
I need some help to carry on
I need some strength to keep me strong..
—
My sympathy,
-Tori
January 9th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
Brett, thank you for this. I do sometimes forget how much my mother does for me, and sinful nature makes it so easier to see the faults in someone than their virtues! This has been a reminder to tell my mum how much I need her, especially as I’m preparing to leave for university next year.
I have read both your books and they have been such a benefit to me - thank you.
May God bless you as you continue doing the hard things He asks of you.
January 11th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
beautiful. I am so so very sorry about your mother. At my college all the freshies read Do Hard Things in EN 101. prayers coming your way. ~MI Girl
January 20th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
You know, real poetic talents are hard to come by.
I think of myself as more of a song writer than a poet, personally.
Rhymes are easy for me, and I can use simple words to convey deep meaning when I add a tune.
This doesn’t need a tune. It is a stand alone, beautiful, piece of art.
Mommies love everything their kids give them, but this is something special.
You are something special. Thanks for sharing!
Please keep writing.
January 27th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
[...] for positive examples to share with my students, I discovered that their mother had passed away. This poem caught my eye, and reminded me in particular of my own mother. While I”m saddened at their lost, I am [...]
January 28th, 2011 at 7:33 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother! I don’t know what I would do without mine!!!!!!!
I am reading your book Do Hard Things and am enjoying it immensely! I like how down to earth it is. God bless you and may He keep you strong!
January 28th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Thank you so much for writing so many good, encouraging things! I hope you continue to write!
January 30th, 2011 at 6:27 am
I’m so touched. it made me feel more grateful of still having my parents especially my mother. thank you!
February 5th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Beautiful poem. The loss of a loved one is always hard, especially a mom. My dad lost his mother when he was 4, and he always tells me that death of a Christian is something good, because they get to be with our Father in Heaven, where there is no pain, tears, or suffering. The ones who are left on earth are the ones who mourn the absence of such special prescence, but left with the wonderful and comforting hope that we will be reunited with our loved ones. I thank God for your mom, though I haven’t met any of you, because she did an explendid job at raising such godly men. It has definitly opened my eyes and made me thankful for all that my mom has done for me, sacrificing herself so we can always have the best, but more importantly always encouraging us to seek and love God with all our heart, mind, and strength. May God bless and comfort your family.
Thank you for the book, and I hope and pray that God may keep using you guys beyond any human imagination. You guys are a blessing
February 11th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
Beautiful poem. The loss of a loved one is always hard, especially a mom. My dad lost his mother when he was 4, and he always tells me that death of a Christian is something good, because they get to be with our Father in Heaven, where there is no pain, tears, or suffering. The ones who are left on earth are the ones who mourn the absence of such special prescence, but left with the wonderful and comforting hope that we will be reunited with our loved ones. I thank God for your mom, though I haven’t met any of you, because she did an explendid job at raising such godly men. It has definitly opened my eyes and made me thankful for all that my mom has done for me, sacrificing herself so we can always have the best, but more importantly always encouraging us to seek and love God with all our heart, mind, and strength. May God bless and comfort your family.
Thank you for the book, and I hope and pray that God may keep using you guys beyond any human imagination. You guys are a blessing
March 3rd, 2011 at 6:45 pm
That was such a nice poem! Recently my family listened to a tape by your mom, and she sounded like such a sweet, friendly person. I don’t think I tell my mom just how much I love her often enough. =(
-Sarah
Love the pic.=)
March 21st, 2011 at 10:21 am
I absolutely love this peom surely God. Has givin u guys a great talent i will always keep u in my prayers
April 28th, 2011 at 6:53 am
[...] You Need a Mother Very Badly – Brett Harris [...]
May 14th, 2011 at 6:36 am
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July 7th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
My mom is fading as I write this. I remembered reading this poem months ago and found comfort in it once again. Thanks. A prayer goes out to all of us younger people who have mothers they still desperately need, but God has a different plan in mind. May we be ever thankful for all our mothers have done for us.
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