Three Lessons I Learned from My Grandma

My Sweet Grandma 

My grandma was one of my dearest friends. She was smart and relevant. She was spunky and funny. She was authentic and bold. But what stands out the most about her to me and those who knew her is that Grandma was passionate about following Jesus and soaking up His Word. It seemed that no matter what the topic or length of conversation, she would always find a way to weave in a Scripture verse or truth about God's character. Talking about the Lord came naturally to Grandma, because she was talking about Someone she knew well.

My family had the privilege of living five minutes away from Grandpa and Grandma's house so, as you can imagine, there are many things that she taught me from our frequent interactions. I would like to share with you just a few of those life lessons:

1. BE A LADY

Grandma at age 19  

Note: If you are a guy, read on! Apply this to your wife-search if you are single, and if you are a father, remind this to your daughter:)

Did you know that just because you are a woman, it does not mean you are lady? It's a simple concept, but one that my grandma used to remind me of often: "Charity, be a lady".  Unfortunately, being a lady is becoming more and more of a rarity in this day and age and Grandma knew it.  The media overwhelms us with countless messages concerning how females should look, dress, and act. There are women who use their gender as some sort of power to be used against men, or those who distort the definition of a lady to mean a mere sexual icon. I love the following definition of a lady: a well-mannered and considerate woman with high standards of proper behavior.  This is the kind of woman that my Grandma was encouraging me to be and the kind of lady that is contrary to the common culture's definition. This lady does not use crude language or dress to entice. She carries herself with dignity and respect; she walks with a confident, yet humble disposition; she is laced with feminine mystery. In our striving to be a lady in the purest form and fashion, shouldn't we look to the One who came up with the whole idea in the first place? Grandma sent me to Him time and time again...

2. One Always Manages to Do Those Things They Consider Important

Grandma's Calligraphy

Grandma was really good at calligraphy. I have this framed quote sitting by my computer as a reminder from her that I will always find time to do the things that I deem necessary, no matter how full my life gets. Oftentimes a Christian's greatest excuse for not spending time in the Word is that they are just too busy. I have said this on more than one occasion, and then I find myself at the gym or on Facebook and the thought hits me that I am obviously not too busy to find time to accomplish those things! There are some seasons of life (such as being a mom of small kids) when having time to get it all done truly does feel impossible. If you are in this season, listen to what my friend, Heidi St. John (mom of 7) has to say to encourage your heart in this area. 


3. APPLY the "ABC's"
Note: If you are not a follower of Christ or you are exploring the Christian faith, the following points may sound unfamiliar to you. If you are interested in a greater expounding, check out this fabulous sermon by John Piper (you can either read or listen to it). 

One of Grandma's many illustrations 

A. Put off the old man by consciously obeying Romans 6:11a. Agree with God that your old nature was crucified with Christ. 
B. Put on the new man by consciously obeying Romans 6:11a. Agree with God that you are a new man, indwelt by God's Holy Spirit. 
C. Obey James 4:7 and 1 Peter 5:6-7. Resist that Tempter in the power of Christ! Remember: the battlefield is in the mind! 

What is something that you learned from your Grandma?

Love your family, ya'll!
~Charity~