I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (ESV)

Our family had the privilege of spending this Easter with my grandmother. At 103 years old, she has seen and experienced so much in her lifetime. Her hearing is beginning to fade, and doctors are concerned she’s losing sight in one eye. As she tells me this, she giggles a bit and exclaims, “I guess I’m getting old!” (Ya think?!) She is excitedly looking forward to her birthday in August.

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She bought her family’s first refrigerator, not too long after they became mainstream. She managed a sewing factory as a young woman, a job usually occupied by men. She joined the Navy WAVES and was among the first shipment of women to be sent to Pearl Harbor after the attack during WWII. But there is one accomplishment that pales in comparison to these.

As a child, waking in my grandparents' home, she was always in her chair. The dim living room was lit by a chair-side lamp, illuminating illumination: His word. On her lap or in her soft, wrinkled hands were the scriptures. The small stand beside her chair was organized with devotional readings, pens, glasses, and her Bible, complete with gold edges. Each morning, she was there spending time with him.

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As a teenager, she prayed for me. In my rebellion and stubbornness, she lifted me up in the throne room (Heb. 4:16) to the only One who could forgive and change me.

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Later in life, I’ve come to the faith and have a clearer understanding of what I’ve seen in her through the years:  a sinner, saved by grace. An imperfect woman doing her best to live a life being shaped by our Creator. Not perfectly, but earnestly, learning lessons along the way. Leaning on him who carries us all. It’s the best any of us can do – really live out our imperfect faith and usher in the next generation. I am humbled to stand and sing with my daughters, son, and even grandchildren now, listening to their sweet voices as they raise their hands in worship to Jesus.

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I hope we all remember those that lifted us up to the Father before we even knew we needed him! They may be grandparents or friends or neighbors we’ve met along the way. What joy to have these saints cheering us on!

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I also encourage each one of us to become like the women mentioned in 2 Timothy: walking beside people (our “one more”) who need to know our loving Jesus, showing patience and kindness, speaking truth to point the way to grow into Him (Eph. 4:15). What a joy to watch others discover for the first time the forgiveness and purpose God gives so freely!

El Hanne’eman, our faithful God, we thank you for all of those you have placed purposefully in our lives to lead us to your promise of life! Thank you for them walking beside us, being tender and truthful, each in their appropriate time. Lord, we pray we would be faithful to you in return and continue to seek out the “one more,” to speak into their lives. Allow us to speak your scriptures accurately, pray longingly, and live drastically to bring you glory and show the world who you are. Amen.