Happy Birthday, Big Mama!

My grandmother, Grace Stella (Kirwin) Oswalt, was born on March 2, 1889 in Neodasha, Kansas. Today marks her 119th birthday! Many of you know that I have been studying her life and have written my first draft of a novel depicting her amazing story.

I am the youngest of her 9 grandchildren. She died when I was 19, and how I wish that I had had more time with her. It's strange though, after learning so much now about her life then, I feel as if I know her as a peer rather than as my grandmother. Her story is one of redemption and how the Lord rescued her from her sin when she was in her twenties, a reality that we can all relate to. She loved the Lord and couldn't wait for the day when He called her home. He finally did when she was 90 years old after being a widow for 15 years I miss her still and wish most of all that my children could have known her. They would have made her smile, seeing how they love the Lord. My children are answers to prayers she prayed before they were born. I want to be that kind of grandmother - one who faithfully prays for those in my family that will come after me that I will never know.

Father, I ask that you cause the seeds of faith that were planted by my grandmother to grow ever stronger with each generation that follows me. May you give me the wisdom and faith I need to do all that you have called me to do. It is only by Your faithfulness that I can have hope to be faithful. Thank you for the fruit I have enjoyed as a result of Big Mama's prayers. May the seeds of my life be as fruitful so that in all things you might be glorified. In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen!