I saw my Maw Maw today...

I saw my Maw Maw today...at least it sure seemed like I did. While I was cutting grass at the seminary, I saw an old woman who, at first glance, looked like my grandmother...same white hair and same type of clothes. To many this may not seem like a big deal and you may not even care that I am sharing this, but I was reminded of my grandmother today and wanted anyone who reads this to maybe be encouraged by her story. Let me tell you why this was meaningful to me.

When I think about my grandmother, I think about 2 Timothy 1:5 where Paul reminds Timothy of the faith he gained from his Grandmother Eunice. I also think about Hebrews 12:1 when it mentions "so great a cloud of witnesses" that have gone before us. My grandmother was one of the most devoted prayer warriors and most generous people I ever knew. Toward the end of her life, health issues began to affect her mind sometimes. She was always such a generous person. It got to the point where my aunt and uncle had to take over her bank account because she kept giving money to people in need and didn't have enough to pay her own bills. I learned a great deal about giving from her.

In February 2008, God led me to go on a three-month mission trip to Peru. I took a big step of faith trusting God to provide all the money I would need for the trip. One week before the trip, I had finally gotten enough money to buy the plane ticket but was left with nothing. Later that day, my dad and I went to visit my grandmother because it would be the last chance I would have to see her before I left for Peru. It was a great visit. Before we left, my grandmother handed me a check for $25. God went on to provide all that I needed for the trip. However, that $25 check was the most meaningful donation to my trip that I received.

My grandmother passed away two days after I got back from Peru. The last thing that my grandmother ever did for me was give all that she had so that Peruvians could hear about Jesus. She will forever be a hero of the faith for me. She spent her life for God. When she died, she left a small house, a small amount of clothing, and a small piece of land. However, she left an enormous impact for Christ on this world. I miss her a lot but am so thankful for all that she did for me. Most of all, she prayed. I hope that God will use me to spread the Gospel and love of Christ just like my Maw Maw.