My Fearless Granny
The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life–of whom should I be afraid? –Psalms 27:1
I remember like it was yesterday, sitting in my Granny’s wheelchair in front of her frail tiny self. White curls wrapped her head. Her eyes didn’t shine with recognition like they once did when I entered her room at the nursing home.
I had been at my desk at the school where I worked–and suddenly I had the compulsion to see her immediately. I asked permission from my boss and drove to the town where she then resided. Generally, since I had been working I visited only on Saturdays. Granny hated for me to take the job. She knew it would cut into our twice a week visits. She was right.
When I walked into the room and she was sitting against the wall on her bed staring into space. As I spoke and smiled and loved on her, she gave little response. Her eyes searched my face when I asked her if she knew who I was.
She stared without a word. I could see her mind working. She had stopped most verbal communication and that broke my heart. Anyone visiting her would always come away with something from the Word of God sown into their hearts…but not today, I thought.
I leaned over and picked up her worn Bible. I asked her if I could read to her. She didn’t respond, just continued to look at me. I held it in my hands and my eyes filled. I asked her what she would like to hear… the sweet voice from across the room, her kind room mate, Ms. Sara, said, “She loves the Psalms”.
Granny loved the whole Word, but it was true, we did read a lot from the Psalms lately. That was something we did regularly. Read the Bible together.
Still no response, hardly any blink.
I opened her Bible and it seemed to fall open to Psalms 27. As I began to read aloud, tears choked my voice as I saw Granny’s mouth begin to move.
Whispers of, “The LORD is my light…” “Whom shall I fear”…
I knew that Granny had walked a long life walk with Christ. I knew that she played a significant role in the Assembly of God Church in her small town, Noma, FL coming into existence. Church began in houses back then. Having experienced the infilling of the Holy Ghost in a cottage prayer meeting, she was asked to leave her church–or stop that nonsense–and so what do you do when you are burning up inside with Christ and His power? Begin a church with others of like minded faith and burning!
Granny told me that story more than once–among other stories of wild –extravagant, fearless faith. She believed God would be merciful and save her sons before they died. Guess what–she’s gone, but I believe her prayers were answered. They all three love Jesus Christ–and to my knowledge, all have a relationship with God that I wouldn’t question.
Sometimes we pray and think God has to answer in our lifetime–and in the way we want. As a matter of fact, we think we can give God stipulations on HOW He should answer. (I really have done that…how silly of me!)
Sometimes, we are able to “see” results of our prayers….and then sometimes, God asks us to trust Him with the outcome. He really expects us to BELIEVE He hears and will answer. To have fearless faith that He will follow through.
I do believe. I do expect. I desire a walk with Christ that surpasses my wildest imagination–and expectations! I want to be fearless like my Granny. I pray–expect to receive–because I serve the very SAME GOD….
Granny left this life before the next Saturday came….and had I waited…I would have missed my opportunity to see a miracle. She couldn’t recognize me–or say my name…but the Word of God…she remembered and could speak it out. There is undeniable power in the Word of God.
Tears fall fresh this morning remembering that day. It won’t be long before we will join her–and all our loved ones who have passed before–but friends, it will take BELIEVING–it will take a fearless faith in Christ Jesus. Knowing who He is is not enough (the devil and all his angels know WHO Christ Jesus is)…you must accept Him as your Savior and have a relationship with Him…then–and only then will you be saved.
Like the thief on the cross, knowing your only Hope is right beside you and ready to forgive you of the vilest sin…call on Him today–before you do anything else….ask Jesus to come into your heart and life and change your destiny–to give you fearless faith…and then BELIEVE Him for it. Don’t walk back to where you came from–but walk into the path He calls you to.
Can I pray with you?
“Dear Lord Jesus,
I recognize that I am a sinner, and right now I am asking for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and that You rose from the dead. I trust You and will see You and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life from this moment forward and help me to be sensitive to You and do your will. I pray-believing in the holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
If you prayed this prayer, I encourage you to begin seeking God for a good church–your foundation for growth in Christ is so important–with friends of like faith, the journey is sweet. You will grow as you seek God in prayer daily, and read your Bible. For some other good resources, click here.
What a beautiful picture you’ve painted of your dear grandmother. Those of us who had grandparents like that have an unbelievable heritage. Lord willing, as we all approach that age, we’re preparing ourselves spiritually and will be that kind of blessing to OUR grandchildren.
Thanks, Marsha for the encouragement to be that light in others’ lives.
Pingback: » My Fearless Granny
It’s so awesome that you followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit and was able to spend time with your Granny. Thanks for sharing her with us.
Precious heritage!