For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Eph 3:14-19 (NIV)
In December, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. The United States had just been attacked, from the air, by Japanese war planes. Last month, the United States was attacked, from the air, by a Chinese virus. President Donald Trump is doing his very best to keep us calm, fearless and safe.
President Roosevelt was right; scientists and psychologists have since proven that fear causes illness and even death. This year, Americans need to be reminded that fear could make you ill – even if you never get the virus. Fear and anxiety lead to declining health.
Life in America changed dramatically after Pearl Harbor and the USA entered the war. Young men entered the military, Ford Motor Company built tanks, and communities collected scrap metal to be used for ammunition. Our Grannies may have been among the women who went to work in factories for the very first time. Radio became an important source of information.
This year, life is changing dramatically — again. People are losing their jobs, businesses are closing, and so are schools. Grannies, fire up your faith, hug your grandkids, maybe even your kids, and Pray! We know that with God’s help we can get them through this pandemic and into a new normal. Just like after WWII, we will come out of this with a new normal; there is no going back.
It’s time for us to be consoling and creative. Get out your Bibles, your tablets, your smart phones! Search the Scriptures for “just the right words” for your family members. What do we say to the seniors in the Class of 2020. Will they graduate? Will they get their prom? What do we say to our friends planning to retire this fall, but now the 401(k) is…? What about all the special vacations that were planned, the big weddings that were planned, the relocations to a new job involving both an old and a new residence? There were plans for business expansions – bigger facilities – new products.
It has hit home for me in a strange way. Walking down my country driveway and across the road to get the mail, I no longer have to wait for traffic! No one is driving down my country road.
Grannies, pour out the Promises of Jesus, lavish your families with the Love of The Lord. Our strength, wisdom, and Faith will see us through. Just be calm, consoling, and carry The Lord with you wherever you go.
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Rev 21:5 (NIV)
Grannies, stoke your fire of faith with Daily Time With Jesus!
“…I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you…”2 Tim 1:6
“America’s families make immeasurable contributions to America’s well being…pass on to each succeeding generation the values we share and cherish – values that are the foundation of our freedom.” R. Reagan
“At the Cornerstone of the family foundation is Jesus; at the center of the family is Grannie!” Lynne
04/14/2020