Grandma Smith

"When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also." 2 Timothy 1:5

Timothy had a great heritage in the two most important people in his life. He lived out a legacy that had been instilled in him at an early age. These two women sought God for health and healing and strength when times were tough. They lived their faith in front of young Timothy in a way that encouraged and inspired him to follow after Christ and become a disciple for Him throughout his life.

I am so blessed that I had a grandmother and mother that loved the Lord and instilled the beauty of a relationship with Him into their children. They sought Him daily; walking with Him and talking about Him to me and all who would listen.

Grandma Smith embodied the likeness of Christ. Her temperament was always calm, cool and collected, always with positivity running through her core. She smiled a lot and laughed often. She wore her salvation as a badge of honor upon her sleeve. She prayed for us as little girls and throughout our life, talking to us about how good the Lord had been to her. Throughout the years after my granddaddy passed I would ask if she was lonely? She would always answer, "No, how can I be lonely when the good Lord is right here with me?" I believed that as truth.

When Cameron and Corey were little we would go visit her each week. As the boys would play in the front yard under the shade tree, Grandma and I would sit in her front room and watch them through her big picture window. I would catch her mumbling something and when I would ask, she would tell me she was just talking to the Lord about my precious baby boys. I know she walked around in a state of prayer continually (1 Thess. 5:17).

I miss her so much. I think of her often and wonder how life would have been if she could have stayed here just a little longer. She passed four weeks after finding out she had cancer. God gave her those four weeks to prepare Us for her home going. She lived life for the Lord with passion. I am so thankful for the legacy she left me. The love she poured out to all of us.

I will be forever grateful for the example she was to my mama when she married my daddy and became a Smith. Grandma loved her like her own and showed her through life experiences how to love the Lord first and then your family. She showed her through her walk how to depend on Him. She passed on a legacy to Mama that I gratefully received and hope with all my heart I keep passing on to mine.

Eunice and Lois are valuable models that let us know that women can know God's Word and faithfully teach it to our children just as Grandma Smith and Mama did for me. Through them we can nurture what we have learned in God's Word and pass it on to the next generation which is oh so important. Our testimonies are to be lived out loud through our faith and trust in Jesus, continually praying as we go (1 Sam. 1:12).

As I picture Grandma Smith now I imagine her cupping her hand with her long slender fingers over her mouth each time she giggles. I just know there is a lot of giggling go on up there.

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, Thank You for my heritage. I have been so blessed with the love of family that breathed God into my life all along the way. I give You the glory for that, always glorifying Your name! I pray for those that might not have the godly examples I have had. May we be sensitive to those and step up to meet their need. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.