SEND US GRANDMOTHERS
“Having a grandmother is like having an army. This is a grandchild’s ultimate privilege: knowing that someone is on your side, always, whatever the details. Even when you are wrong. Especially then, in fact. A grandmother is both a sword and a shield.”
~ Fredrik Backman ~
Back in the late 1700’s, the London Missionary Society was formed and embarked upon an effort of such magnitude that missionary preachers and their entire families would have to devote many years of their lives bringing Christianity to the predominately Hindu domain of India. Their collaborative efforts found success where others had failed by breaking from the denominational boundaries that would otherwise limit the necessary funding to maintain the work for the years of commitment that would be required.
As the years passed and Christianity began to take hold and grow, beginning from Calcutta and expanding across all of India, news of their success came back to England and support for the effort increased. The London Missionary Society was recognized as the new champions of the Gospel, and the missionary families were honored and held in high esteem by all. Missionary preachers and their wives would raise their own children right in the villages and communities with the people of India, so the entire family became very much an integral part of the mission.
Back home in England, just as good supporters of any worthwhile endeavor should do, they would inquire of the returning ministers, “What do you need there in India, that you do not now have, that will contribute most to your continued success?”
Their response was astounding, yet astute. They did not request more funds, although funding was certainly never enough for the monumental task. They did not request manpower, even though every such missionary effort is always in need of volunteers. No, they answered, quite simply but with the utmost sincerity, “We need grandmothers.”
You see, these dedicated ambassadors for Christ, over the years as they raised their own children so far from home, came to realize just how much loss their children suffered being separated from their grandparents. Oh yes, the work was wonderful and the children gained valuable life lessons from having been raised in such a selfless and giving atmosphere. But what was missed was just as essential, maybe more so.
No one on earth can replace a loving grandmother. Her love is beyond words, her wisdom without equal, her advice unquestionable. No one hugs like a grandmother, no one can cook like a grandmother, and no one will ever know us and understand us the way a grandmother can. She will stand up for us when everyone else accuses and points out our every fault. She will wrap her arms around us and say, “No one is going to hurt you, not on my watch.”
No offense of course to grandfathers, they’re special too. Hey, I’m a granddaddy myself. But of all the magnificent titles bestowed throughout the ages, none can top the importance and honor, at least not to a growing child, of the name “Grandmother.”
God knows, He gave them to us.
Happy Mothers’ Day, Grammy!
Kirk Mason
CEO
