“Grandma, did you know you leave footprints every where you walk?” I looked down at the freshly vacuumed sand colored carpet in Hanna’s bedroom. My granddaughter’s words gripped my heart. She was watching my every move, even the footprints I left behind.

I thought of my grandmother. My greatest childhood memories are wrapped in the love and joy I felt when I went to her house. I was always greeted with a warm smile and big hug. Grandma’s laughter was contagious, her love unconditional. She was always there for me—to listen, pray and encourage. No wonder I loved going to her house.

Grandma often talked about “praying it through”.

One example is the way she dealt with the fear of flying when given the opportunity to fly to Israel. The overnight drive from South Alabama to New York City was her testing ground. Would she be able to get on that plane and trust the Lord to get her safely there and back?

She wasn’t quite sure. When the family stopped for breakfast the next morning, Grandma told them, “Enjoy your breakfast”. She wouldn’t eat. She had to pray this thing through. An hour later Grandma’s family found her with a big smile on her face. Her fears were gone, replaced by the peace that passes understanding. She was ready to fly.

My grandmother left a rich legacy of strong faith in God, fueled by her passion to pray through life’s challenges. Now it’s my time.

“Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation”—Joel 1:3