“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
She’s a mother of seven, grandmother of 17 and eldest daughter of 20. Yes that’s right, my grandmother, known as “Nan,” grew up in a home of 10 boys and 10 girls. They shared clothes out of a box, squeezed into two beds, and had one slice of toast for breakfast. They were the poor of the poor, yet Nan remembers her childhood as a happy one.
Nan is like any other, with many flaws and much more positive attributes, learning through life. My cousins and I can mimic her “shrill” yell that we experienced during her babysitting days. We can all attest to Nan raising a hand in the air singing, “How Great is our God,” in the car, on a boat or church pew.
Throughout her 50 plus years of marriage, she and my grandfather have experienced numerous joys and tragedies, victories and defeats. Recently she was hospitalized. After a week of tests without answers, Nan found herself in Room 210, eating micro waved meals on her birthday.
During my Thanksgiving Weekend visit Nan recalled God’s goodness and answered prayers. She trusted God, remained positive and even prayed for others when they were phoning to encourage her. Nan cited scripture and spoke over my life from her hospital bed. I never realized to what extent her faith has affected our family until that moment. She is a prayer warrior. My Nan, Edith Ivy Janet Champion, truly is a Champion: a Champion by name and spirit. Her prayers will avail much until she is called home. I am honoured to be her granddaughter and friend.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
James 5:16
Luke 18:1
Luke 18:27