Honor and Celebration

My life is greatly blessed through the example of so many lovely women. Whether it be through the examples of well-known authors and speakers, such as Carolyn Mahaney and Elizabeth George, or women that I "do life" with on a regular basis, I’m forever grateful for their impact upon my life. They’ve taught...and modeled...what it means to love my husband and sons, to be self-controlled and pure, to keep my home, to be kind, and to submit to my husband. My heart simply overflows when I consider the role they’ve played in my growth.

One of these dear women is my sweet grandma. My grandma received Christ as her Savior just before I was born, and her life was radically changed. God took a home that was without hope and brought new life and renewal. My grandpa, too, committed his life to Christ, and before long, they were hosting Bible studies in their home. It was during this time that my entire family trusted Christ as Savior!

My grandma didn’t keep her joy to herself. She sensed God nudging her to begin speaking and sharing her testimony. Prompted by the truth that God was simply looking for a willing heart, she began speaking and sharing her life’s story in 1979. She was soon receiving invitations to speaking engagements around the country.

My grandpa was diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 1984. But before he passed away in the spring of 1985, he was listening to a tape of one of my grandma’s speaking engagements. He told her, "If it helps just one person, it’s worth it! Don’t stop!"

And she hasn’t. She’s still actively speaking at retreats, banquets, and luncheons, though these days she sticks closer to home. God has used my grandma...her willingness...availability...her transparency to offer His hope and healing to countless lives.

My grandma turned 80 this month, and yesterday we honored her with a grand celebration! As friends and family members arrived and shared their memories of my precious grandma, I was reminded of the lasting impact she's made. I know that she would never desire any honor or glory for herself...she simply points to Jesus as the Giver of all good things.

And so I thank God for his beautiful creation of my grandma. I thank Him for using this woman who has lived in the same small town of 500 people all her life to change this world. I thank Him that He used her availability and her humility to point countless hearts to Him.

We honor you, Grandma. We give God all the glory for the great things He has done!