I Serve You Just As My Mother Did
The Woman Who Discipled A King
by
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What we learn about David’s childhood might prove instructive, adding a dimension to our understanding of the Scriptures and heightening our appreciation as we study. Many adults today are reeling from rejection—whether it’s intentional abandonment or benign, unintentional neglect. Many know how it feels to deal with silent ridicule, social alienation and public humiliation because of an irresponsible relative or a personal silly immature mistake. Unfortunately, many of us waste a lifetime seeking explanations or apologies or have an endless pity party because we need approval and acceptance. And, like a pillar of salt, some are frozen in that backward glance at childhood unable to shift their gaze and move forward. Single mothers struggle with raising fatherless sons. By the time their offspring reach teenage years, many women are frustrated with the lack of a male to mentor and guide their boys into manhood. They long for a role model whose image they might chisel into the psyche of their offspring. What legacy could they, as mothers—as women—possibly impart to their sons? And there are children trapped in the consequences of poor adult decision-making who struggle to find their identity. Sidetracked by gangs, drugs and sex or whatever promises temporary relief, some teenagers wander aimlessly through life emotionally disengaged and disgruntled with everything and everyone. How can these youth find their way out of this twisted maze of confusion? The answer to the question, “Who is King David’s mother?” may provide a blueprint for adults struggling with rejection, mothers who are clueless about how to raise their boys, and children who feel as if all they’ve inherited is the wind. One key is relevant for all readers: Never dismiss a person because of the circumstances of his or her birth. Never reject a child based on preconceived bias or projected perceptions. Every life is precious! Everyone is born on purpose—God’s purpose. God has a plan! God’s Plan Unfolds Let’s see how His plan unfolds in David’s life. The answer to “Who is King David’s mother?” was neither tucked in the pages of my seminary textbooks nor buried in my treasured scholarly resources, which I’ve accumulated over 40 years. At my wit’s end, I did what every 21st Century person would do—I Googled “Who is King David’s mother?” The answer—along with a stunning account of David’s childhood—led me to Jewish author Chana Weisberg. In her book, Tending the Garden: The Unique Gifts of the Jewish Woman, (Targum Press), she writes a remarkable account of David’s young life from the Jewish perspective of the Old Testament. Chana Weisberg and I are both drawn to the puzzle of King David’s mother but for different reasons. Weisberg begins her chapter noting David’s complaint in Psalm 69, an almost tearful reflection of rejection. My curiosity began with the King’s plea for God’s help as he reminded the Lord, “I serve you, just as my mother did” (Psalm 86:16; 116: 16, NIV). It was tenderly heartwarming that David’s mother inspired his love for the Lord. How inspirational that this most famous king of Israel emulated his mother’s model of dedication to God and commitment to serve Him. How could I not ask, “Who is she?” Finding the answer was impossible without Weisberg’s historical sketch. Added to this is my view of David’s life through the biblical lens of both the Old and the New Testaments. An illuminating portrait emerges to inspire us all to persevere no matter our circumstances. Here is a story whose time has come.
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About the Book
People all over the world know about the man in the Bible named David, one of the greatest leaders of all time. People who rarely read the Bible know the David and Goliath account. And, who hasn't read some of his writings in the Psalms?
This poet, musician, warrior, king, has had an influence way beyond his generation. But who influenced him? Who taught him, shaped him and molded him into becoming such a man?
Dr. Tolbert says, it was his mother, but who was she? In this book, Dr. Tolbert does an incredible job of helping us learn who she really was. You will find this revelation astounding. Once you start reading this book you will not be able to put it down. It's a winner!
~Rev. Dr. Stanley B. Long is Pastor Emeritus of South Bay Community Church of Freemont, CA, which he founded in 1985. He serves as Executive Director of the Urban Outreach Foundation equipping thousands of pastors, leaders, and churches with coaching, courses, and curriculum for personal and church growth.
About the Author
La Verne Tolbert, Ph.D., recognized as a leader in the field of Christian education, Dr. La Verne Tolbert is president of Teaching Like Jesus Ministries, Inc. a parachurch ministry that equips teachers and leaders in the local church. She has extensive experience in local churches as a Christian education pastor/director and has conducted workshops and seminars for churches, denominations, and education ministries throughout the United States.
Dr. Tolbert earned her Master of Arts in Christian Education and Ph.D. in Christian Education from Talbot School of Theology/Biola University, where she also taught as an assistant professor. Students twice nominated her for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She was also an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific and La Verne Universities.
Tolbert’s writing career began in New York’s magazine publishing world as an editor-reporter for Family Circle and beauty and health editor of Bride’s Magazine. Her latest book, I Serve You Just As My Mother Did: The Woman Who Discipled A King (Xlibris) was born out of listening to Scripture during daily devotions. The answers she found revolutionized her appreciation of the Psalms. She is author of several books and curricula including her classic text, Teaching Like Jesus: A Practical Guide to Christian Education in Your Church (Zondervan), which is in its 18th printing and currently being updated. How to STUDY and Understand the Bible in 5 Simple Steps Without Learning Hebrew or Greek (etaworld.org) is said to be one of her best books yet!
Dr. Tolbert is host of the YouTube Program, “Sunday School Made Simple,” where she teaches the upcoming Sunday School lesson to approximately 20,000 adults weekly. As Vice President of Editorial for UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.), the Christian African American media company, which provides Christian education resources for the African American community world-wide, she is responsible for enhancing Bible study curriculum for more than 10,000 ecumenical congregations.
In 2013, Biola University awarded Dr. Tolbert the Priscilla Ruby Award for excellence in teaching and mentoring during Biola’s celebration of National Women’s History Month. In 2019, she received the Distinguished Christian Educator Award from Presiding Bishop Emeritus Charles E. Blake, Sr., Pastor of the West Angeles Church Of God In Christ in Los Angeles for recognition as a professor, scholar, ministry mentor, teacher of teachers, and preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Tolbert’s most cherished roles are wife, mother, and grandmother. Married to Elder Irving Tolbert, the couple has two daughters and six grandchildren.