Mom rode with me on one of those long trips that take hours–when good conversation helps pass the time. In the intimacy of my front car seat, Mom shared about the faith she learned from her mother.
“Your grandma taught WMU, women’s missionary groups, for years. She was passionate about spreading the good news of Christ. I still have boxes full of her handwritten lessons and tons of articles and quotes she cut out about missions. When I was a child, I went with her to meetings and sat in a corner and listened.”
Mom continued. These stories about my deceased grandmother were new to me.
“I remember a neighbor she kept inviting to the meetings. Finally the woman came one day just so mother would quit asking. But the lady was interested and kept coming back. Soon she came to church and brought her children, one of them my age. Then her husband came and got involved. Last I heard, their family is still going to that little old church, still working there. All because Mother kept inviting her.”
Mom went on to tell how her own grandmother shared her faith, a dedicated woman who rode side saddle on a horse through the country side to collect money for a women’s dormitory at Oklahoma Baptist University, the local Christian college in Shawnee.
These ancestors of mine had faith, and as my mom shared, I realized that her sharing provided a connection to the strong Christian women in my past. Their stories encouraged my Christian walk through life.
From words shared in that long car ride, I now have more stories of faith to give my family. By passing down and transferring these bits of facts to my own children and grandchildren, I pass on the faith of generations behind me.
Remember to share your faith with family. It can give encouragement that will continue forever.
The LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes . . . your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” 2 Kings 10:30 (NIV)
By Kathryn Spurgeon. First published in a HHBC pamphlet.