As I closed my prayer journal, I thought once again about my nieces and nephews. These dear ones were the focus of my Sabbath prayers – the next generation that will love justice, show mercy and live as Kingdom-bearers in our world.
Years ago, I determined to pray them through school decisions, career changes and life-long relationships. Now I wonder how my prayers protected them or spurred them to consider a different path, a more focused decision. No matter. I will love them and root for them forever.
And what about the intercessions of my aunties? Judging from the fruit of their lives, I would bet they also kept prayer lists and on those lists, somewhere – my name appears.
It is because of their influence that I write and serve and minister. The glorious result of their example helped frame me as they modeled how to become strong and authentic women.
Most of them now live in eternal glory, yet the memories I carry of them are as distinct as my own reflection in the bedroom mirror.
Mary: the auntie who loved me even when I could not love myself. She never saw the zits, the perm-fried hair or the thunder thighs that mortified me throughout adolescence and high school. Mary just loved me and every time she saw me, I knew she was genuinely glad to see me. How I would love to feel her arms around me again!
Lynda: the teacher auntie who expressed interest in every one of my projects, supported my ministries and showed up, smiling, whenever I sang a solo or gave a speech. I felt important in her presence and knew she cared for me. I would bet, even now, she is checking with God about my activities.
Alma Dee: a busy mother of five, who still found time to spend hours with me, listening to my recitations of Bible verses and encouraging me to study the truth of God’s word. She helped me build a foundation that I later shared with my Bible students and then morphed into the personality of Reverend G.
Ethel: the gracious and kindly auntie who surpassed Martha Stewart in hospitality and the making of home. Her beautiful house was immaculate, her décor creative while her face always carried the shine of God’s love. Even now, this still-living auntie, reflects the presence of God and wears a forever smile, probably knowing she will see Him in person someday soon.
Adina: the widowed auntie who raised her children alone and achieved a master’s degree when it was unusual for women to pursue the higher levels of education. She challenged me to pursue my dreams. Because she persevered, I could, too.
Lucille: the glamourous auntie whose red lipstick shocked and amazed me. I wanted to try that shade – just once. It was at her memorial service that I learned about the depth of her faith and wondered if she, too, had prayed for me.
These aunties are just some of the relatives whom I respected and loved. They taught me the values I still espouse and shared their faith as generously as they gave kisses on the cheek.
Without these aunties and their prayers, I might have chosen another path. I have lived the results of my aunties’ prayers. So I now pass on that treasure for the younger ones who follow me.
Who prayed for you? What difference did those prayers make in your life?
©2015 RJ Thesman – Author of the Reverend G books http://www.crossrivermedia.com/portfolio/1624/gallery/fiction/
Oh, RJ, this post resonated with me in a special way. My own aunts were kind and good, including a nurse. They, too, took an interest in me at various stages of my life–though I believe it was my mother, my sister and father’s mother who prayed me through various phases of my life. I have always taken a special interest in my own nieces and their children. I pray for them and nurture those relationships. They do both fight for good and are kingdom-bearers, as you called them. There is that verse in the Bible that says your children’s children are a crown to the aged or something along those lines. Our prayers and examples do impact their lives.
Thank you, Amy, for the encouragement and the reminder of how prayer impacts lives. So very true!
A great reflective piece tied deeply to values and people displaying them. The legacy you enjoy, Rebecca, surely spills over through your good labors as an author and coach. I’m carried back to Aunties Lela, Ethel, Alva and dear Aunt Dovie.
So glad you had your own group of aunties, Jerry. They’re probably rejoicing right now!
sweet and well done! I enjoyed it once more 🙂
bea have a blessed day!! >
Thank you, Bea. I’m sure you’re a regular “pray-er” as well!
I didn’t have a close relationship with my aunts as a child. I guess some bad family blood had happened and they walked away. However, as an adult, I have no hard feelings and woudl be happy to renew the relationship.
Sorry for that situation in your family, Jennifer, but it’s wonderful that you’re open to renew relationships. And I’m sure you’re a praying woman for the younger family members you have. Thanks for the comment! Blessings!
It’s much better now. I don’t know all what happened back then…just bits and pieces but I figure we can all move forward. God bless!