What Will Be Said About You When You’re Gone: In Honor of the Life of Mama “Dodie” Osteen

The sermon today touched me in a way I can’t fully explain. I sat there in church with tears welling up as Pastor Joel preached, and all I could think was, I need to write this. I need to share it.

For those who don’t know, I worship at Lakewood Church. And this past week, we lost an incredible woman of faith. A true mother of the faith. Mama Dodie Osteen,wife of the late John Osteen and Pastor Joel Osteen’s mum, prayer warrior, servant, and spiritual giant went to be with the Lord at the age of 91.

This post is my small way of honoring her, remembering her, and letting you know about the kind of life she lived.

The Storms She Faced

Mama Dodie wasn’t just known for her faith because life was easy. She was known for her faith because she stood firm when life hit her hard.

• As a young girl, she battled polio, which meant wearing leg braces and not being able to run or play like the other children.
  
• Her first daughter, Lisa Osteen, was diagnosed with a condition similar to cerebral palsy. Doctors said she would never walk. But Mama Dodie and Pastor John didn’t take that report,they went to God in prayer. And God healed Lisa.
  
• Later in life, Mama Dodie received a devastating diagnosis: terminal cancer. Doctors told her she had just a few months to live. But once again, she turned to God. And she lived,not just a few months but 44 more years.
  
• She also became a widow unexpectedly, losing her husband and ministry partner, Pastor John, after decades of marriage.
  

And through it all,every diagnosis, every setback, every moment of fear: she clung to God.

 Her Bold, Prayerful Response

After receiving that terminal cancer diagnosis, Mama Dodie didn’t give in to fear; she went into battle mode.

Her weapon? Prayer.

• She covered her home with scripture: sticky notes and index cards with healing verses were posted all over the house: on mirrors, doors, cabinets, walls—everywhere she could see them.
  
• She declared God’s Word aloud, speaking promises like: “I will not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.”
  
• She refused to accept the timeline given to her by doctors. Instead, she gave her timeline to God and He extended it beyond anything they imagined.
  
• And in the end, after decades more of life, impact, and ministry, she passed peacefully in her sleep. A gentle transition for a woman who lived boldly.
  

 The Life She Lived

Mama Dodie didn’t just survive; she lived fully and faithfully. Every breath she had, she used to love, serve, and intercede.

Here are just a few glimpses into how she lived:

• She prayed for everything:
  
  • The sick
    
  • The needy
    
  • Her family and community
    
  • Even her car and dishwasher
    
• Pastor Joel once told the story of her car breaking down. After trying everything, including calling a technician, nothing worked. She laid hands on the hood, prayed, and turned the key; the car started.
  
• She drove herself around into her mid-80s.
  
• She went to hospitals, sat quietly in chapels, and prayed for strangers she never met.
  
• She gave generously; not just financially, but through prayer, time, love, and presence.
  
• After a surgery in September of last year, one of the first things she said to Pastor Joel was: “Jesus did it again.”
  

She never leaned on her family’s influence. She didn’t wait to be served—she served.

 What Her Life Taught Me (And Should Teach Us All)

Even though I never got to meet her in person, Mama Dodie impacted my life. Her faith gave me hope. Her prayers, even from afar, gave me strength. I’ve listened to her speak and heard story after story of people who were healed or transformed after she simply prayed with them.

What I’m trying to say is: Mama Dodie showed us what it really means to walk with God.

She taught us:

• Don’t give up when storms hit.
  
• Pray over everything—even the “small stuff.”
  
• Love deeply.
  
• Give generously.
  
• Stay humble.
  
• Be bold in your faith.
  

 Now It’s On Us

Now that Mama Dodie is gone, we are the next in line.

We are the prayer warriors of this generation. We are the ones who must carry the torch. Be the one who covers your family in prayer. Be the one who prays over your community, your home, your children. Be the one who gives without expecting anything back. Be the one who loves like Jesus.

Her life is also a reminder: Life is too short to live offended.
Forgive quickly. Love deeply. Celebrate people while they’re still here.
Be a light. Be a force. Be like Mama Dodie.

Because now, we are the new Mama Dodie.