Legacy of Faith

My mom called me Sunday night to tell me that my great-grandmother had passed away that afternoon. She died almost a month after another great-grandmother of mine.

I know how unusual it is to reach the age of twenty-five with living great-grandparents. I have been immeasurably blessed to know them. But with the blessing of knowing them comes the sadness of losing them. With so many older people in our family, we have been in a season of loss for the last few years. I started college with five living great-grandparents. I now have one.

I have most recently lost my great-grandmothers. These women were talented and strong. My Mama Kirk could sew and knit beautifully. She used to make our Easter dresses, and later made us gorgeous afghans. My Gigi was also crafty, painting china or canvas; she particularly liked painting birds. A passionate but constant woman, someone at her funeral correctly stated, "No one could love you as hard as Addie." Mama Dawson, our most recent loss, was quite a musician. She could play hundreds of hymns and songs without sheet music on her piano, and she often entertained the "old people," as she called them, with musical productions. These women loved life and loved their families. They have left us many memories.

I have recently collected the last cards I received from Mama Dawson and Gigi, as well as Mama's funeral program and placed them in my Bible at Hebrews 11. They are my own "Faith Hall of Fame," because in addition to their individual talents, each woman loved the Lord and served His people. They serve as examples of lives well-lived.

I have great peace knowing they are with their Lord, whom they loved so dearly. Gigi's card, which she sent me in college, appropriately says, "Angels are Watching Over You." Indeed they are.