Happy Birthday, Granny!

Proverbs 31:28

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Winston and Ruth Squyres

My sisters and I are very fortunate women.  Our mother is one of ten children, so much of our growing up was spent with aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. We were never short of food, fun and laughter. There was plenty of drama thrown in with that many cousins, but it just solidified our bonds even more.

I was the only one of my sisters and I who was able to know both grandparents for any length of time. Our grandfather went to heaven when I was 12, but not long after that our Granny came to live with us. Today marks her 98^th birthday and even though she is spending her birthday with Jesus, I felt it fitting that we celebrate her a little on the blog today. After all, she is the one who taught us about being a lady. 

Our Granny……… it is hard to know where to even begin with her. It is also hard not to miss her like crazy as I write this. I mentioned earlier about our Mama being one of ten, well my Granny was one of THIRTEEN! Can you imagine? She was used to kids everywhere her whole life so I am sure that is why she never minded my sisters and I piled up on the bed with her. That is where we spent most of our time, or huddled up in the bathroom with her! Pretty much wherever she was, we wanted to be. It is our Granny (and our mother) who taught us about dressing and acting like a lady. She was one in every sense of the word. Dainty, eloquent, perfectly dressed – even in her nightgowns and robes she looked completely pulled together. Her hair had to always be fixed, and she NEVER received company without her lipstick and “rouge”. But, she wasn’t overly done or “too much”. 

I used to always wonder how she managed to be so beautiful all the time. I would like to tell you I didn’t idolize her because I know we shouldn’t do that, but that would be a lie. I idolized her, worshiped her, and craved her company. I still do. J The older I get though I am beginning to realize how Granny managed all that beauty.

It started with how she clothed herself -Proverbs 31:25 - She is clothed with strength and dignity;  Granny began each morning with her Bible in her lap poring over scriptures that she already read many, many times, but never tiring of the fresh revelation from them.

Then it carried over into how she spoke to everyone – Proverbs 31:26 -She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Let me tell you something about the women in my family – we LOVE a good conversation. We are happiest with coffee cup in hand and hours of free time with each other! Granny was no exception. She would stay up and listen to us no matter how frivolous our subject matter. There was no problem you could have that she couldn’t help you fix, or at least tell you it was time to get over it. My Granny was wise. She passed that trait on to my mother. I am hoping I may catch a little of it as well, but I know that kind of wisdom only comes from seeking it from the One who is All-Knowing.

Then Proverbs 32:27 - She watches over the affairs of her household. Granny took care of things and of others. Having raised ten children she was well-versed in taking care of others. Ad she did it with so much love. It’s funny to hear all of her grandchildren when they get together and talk about her. She made everyone feel like they were her very favorite. Of course, everyone knows the favorite is me. J Granny was always looking at others. Interesting to me in a time when women seem to spend all their time in front of mirrors or cameras trying to look beautiful and get the approval of others. Granny’s brand of beauty says “look at others more than yourself.” That’s where true beauty lies.

Granny was a beautiful woman. She came from a family full of beautiful women. But her kind of beauty can’t be bought or manufactured. It comes from within. From a spirit that takes time and effort to cultivate. To dig deep in the riches of God’s Word, and then live it out.

This is why – Proverbs 29 - “Many women do noble things, but you Granny surpass them all.”

Happy Birthday Granny! Thank you for the example you set for all of us and we miss you like crazy!

~Michelle~