Treasured Word of God
A Mother’s Day Reflection
One of my most valued possessions is my late Grandma Rita’s King James Bible. It’s old and worn out, with more than a page or two partially torn. It has been through a lot over the years. It’s had a long, hard, beautiful journey through her life, and It has endured.
Throughout her life and during her final years with us, Grandma Rita taught our family many things about living a life of service to God. A single mother, she sacrificed everything to provide for her two children, my mother and Uncle Tony. She immigrated from Jamaica to the United States and served admirably as a nurse for over 40 years. She was courageous, independent, caring, witty, and wise. Most importantly, she loved the Lord and showed her love for the Lord in the way she loved us.
Late in my grandma’s life, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, which slowly diminished her memory and ability to complete simple tasks. As a result of the diagnosis, we decided to move her from the Bronx, New York, so that she could be close to the family. Despite the devastating effects of this debilitating disease on her body and mind, one thing that always amazed me was her ability to recall bible verses. In fact, it was common for her to recite complete verses from the book of Psalms. The word, God’s word, His truth, was etched on her heart, and despite life’s most challenging circumstances, the truth was always on her lips. I believe it guided and comforted her throughout her life until she took her last breath.
What I value the most about that King James Bible, my grandma’s bible, and my inheritance is what it represents. It represents the fulfillment of Joshuah 1:8, which states,
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
I encourage you to dedicate time each day to meditate on the word of God. That is, don’t just read it, soak it in, memorize it, reflect on it, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how it applies to your circumstances. I am confident that it will not only be a blessing in your life, but your example will be a beautiful gift and inheritance you can pass on to your loved ones.
*Written in honour of my mother, maternal and paternal grandmothers, and all the mother figures who have positively impacted my life.
Yours in Christ,
Brad
Explore the Word
*Psalm 91
Grandma’s Favourite Psalm
91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
