Rooted in faith
My mother and grandmother made sure their children never missed church. Sunday morning, evening, Wednesday night choir — it didn't matter how many other activities crammed into our family schedule; church was never pushed out.
As an adult, I'm so grateful that I was given this spiritual foundation. I had to make it my own as I matured, but the habits of a living faith that I witnessed are an eternal blessing. Perhaps that's why I love this devotional piece by my friend, Dee Hayes. For years, Deliliah Bernard Hayes was the first lady of the Oklahoma Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. In the book “Devote 40 Days,” Dee writes this beautiful story that helps bring to mind the legacy I received:
“The Bible is full of characters whose names are only mentioned once and whose stories often go untold. Two such people are identified in a letter from the Apostle Paul as he writes to Timothy, his adopted son in ministry. Paul writes about Lois and Eunice, the grandmother and mother of Timothy. There aren't a lot of details written about them, but anyone who was reared in a Christian home knows them very well. The reason most of us would know these women is because in reality they are our mothers and grandmothers! Even though their names may be different, the unmistakable truth is they represent the women who nurtured us and gave us the most precious gift we have — our Christian faith.
“In my own life I can trace the roots of my faith to my grandmother Christine and my mother Doris. I can recall how strong they were in the face of adversity and hardships.
“When my father suddenly died at the early age of 47, it left my mother with the responsibility of rearing four children with limited income. My grandmother moved in to help with caring of the children while my mother returned to college. Doris completed her degree and became an elementary school teacher. Her faith in God gave her the strength and determination to survive in spite of the difficulties she faced. There were so many nights I would walk past their bedroom to discover the two of them on their knees praying that God
“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. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…”
— II Timothy 1:5-6
would see them through. Their unshakable faith molded me and has helped me to become the woman I am today.
“In 2003, I made the long painful journey home to attend the funeral services for my grandmother. Only this time, I was the one at my mother's side as she once again asked God to deliver her through this crisis.
“Today, when I encounter the problems that so often invade my life, I remember the faith of my grandmother and mother. I think about how they overcame insurmountable odds because of their closeness to a God who loved them and cared for them. I often think about the gift they gave me, and when I find myself about to give up, I `stir' that precious gift, and I thank God for a grandmother and mother who gave it to me. I owe them so much!”
Remember the Lois and Eunice in your life, and “stir” up the gift they gave you, for it represents the most precious thing you possess.