In my last post, I talked about some of the godly men who have had a profound influence in my life. Now it’s the women’s turn. Yesterday, as I was studying, a cold draft came through the window, and I pulled an afghan my Great-Grandma Harmon had crocheted up over my legs. I was overwhelmed as the thought poured over me: could my tough, hardworking Polish busia, a woman who made the most of every opportunity she could scrape up to support her family and care for those around her, even fathom the sort of opportunities her generation would pass down to ours? What an amazing legacy we women have been given! I am soooo thankful!

Irmadel Williams

Grandma Williams:

My Grandma Williams is one of the great loves of my life. (Is that weird to say about your grandma? It’s true, though!) Known as “Ma” to most of the community, she is the most nurturing person I know, a tangible example of love lived out. She and my grandpa figured it out one day–of the 61 years they have been married, they have only lived alone for two of them. (I think that’s right.) The rest have been spent sheltering children, foster children, lonely college students, relatives, and anyone else who needed a little extra love and support. (She earned her title!) Grandma, I’m so thankful for your tender heart. I’m thankful that you have never forgotten what it is like to be a child, or lost your sense of wonder. I am thankful for the investment you have made in the people around you, an investment that has been paying incredible dividends for decades. I am thankful for your radical hospitality. And mostly, I am thankful for how you have exemplified God’s love to me, and so many others.

Vivian Paulson

Grandma Paulson:

My Grandma Paulson is like a figurehead on a ship; a strong, confident, dignified woman who plows unflinchingly through the open seas of life. A Salvation Army officer and ordained minister, her life has had its share of challenges, but circumstances that might have crushed a less resilient spirit have turned her into a diamond, a gem of a woman who knows who she is in Christ, and lives accordingly. Grandma, I’m so thankful for your confidence. I’m thankful that you never downplayed your wisdom and intelligence to make others feel more comfortable around you, but never used them to make people feel inferior, either. What an incredible example! I’m thankful for your kindness, your frankness, your honesty, and your fortitude. And also your macaroons. 🙂 But that is beside the point. Thank you for teaching me that strength and gentleness are not mutually exclusive, and for being a living, breathing example of a 1 Corinthians 13 kind of love.

Gail Williams and Grant Armstrong

Mom:

This is the hard part–how do you even begin to conjure up the words to honor your mother? There’s so much to say, and no way I could adequately express everything you mean to me. Mom, you are simply amazing. Fiercely protective and intensely nurturing, strong, sensitive, and wise, you are like the woman of valor described in Proverbs 31–eschet chayil! This is me rising up and calling you blessed! I am quite certain that you are the best listener on the face of the earth, and that I am not the only person who thinks so–you give your full attention to whoever you are with, and make everyone feel valued, validated, and beloved. Your hugs are pretty amazing, too. I’ll admit, when I’m tired, lonely, or feeling under the weather, there’s still a part of me that whispers “Mommy,” that just wants to melt into one of your hugs. I don’t even want to think of all the things you sacrificed for my brother and me, all the long days and sleepless nights you’ve soldiered through on our behalf over the years, but you did it, with great courage and grace. Your gracious example and deep respect for the people around you, even people who are very different than you, has had a profound impact on me over the years. Oh, and did I mention that you are brilliant, insightful, and wise?

I am so, so, SO blessed!!! Thank you God for these incredible women!