I am so grateful for grandmas. I have had several biological and emotional grandmas. Women who have poured into me. They created spaces of rest and joy that allowed me to be a kid. Later, these matriarchs were founts of wisdom and perspective as I started raising my kids and being a wife. Grandmas (and grandpas) are jewels to be treasured. I still have one grandparent alive, and I try and honor her like she deserves.
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| image be George Whitely |
Lois was also a grandmother. She was the nana of Timothy. She is mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:5 along with her daughter, Eunice. Lois is the first generation mentioned that went from Judaism to Christianity in her family. Lois was the spark that lit the flame of faith within her family. She took her faith and gave it to Eunice. Together, they nurtured that faith in Timothy.
Lois was also a contemporary of Paul's. She was a woman who offered him hospitality. I wonder if she offered him counsel and wisdom as well. It is apparent from the affectionate way that Paul communicates with Timothy that they are at least spiritual relatives. At that time in history, the old were lifted up as people to revere, not a fate to be avoided. Our culture has lost a reverence for the elderly. Once someone hits the age of seventy, they are no longer seen as important. Unless they are Betty White.
Lois shows us that age has nothing to do with transformation. That it doesn't matter when we meet the Savior, we always have the option to say yes and turn towards the Truth. The truth of Jesus to Lois led to her daughter and son finding Jesus as well. Timothy went on to lead churches. To be mentored by Paul. Lois is a woman, who by the simple act of faith, became one of the spiritual grandmothers we can look to as an example.
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