Lineage of Grace

So I just finished the most amazing book. It is called "Lineage of Grace" and it is by Francine Rivers, who is one of my favorite Christian authors. I was first introduced to Mrs. Rivers by my wonderful mother in law, who coincidentally gave me my most recently completed book for Christmas. This book, although not completely Biblical is Francine Rivers' take on 5 amazing women in the Bible. All these women showed bravery and faith in the most adverse of circumstances, and their faith led to them being included in the lineage of Jesus Christ. The book covers the stories of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary. It was absolutely incredible to read about the faith of these women. And although I am not sure all the events are accurate, the book did cause me to think about these women that I have heard and read about all my life. Their stories go much deeper than a few verses on a page. I guess more than anything reading this book convicted me. More often than not when I read a story in the Bible, it is just that a story that I know happened, but isn't always relatable. As I read this book I found myself fascinated and engrossed in their worlds and gained insight into my own life. I want to be a woman of faith. I want the patience of Tamar, the courage of Rahab, the commitment of Ruth, the redemption of Bathsheba and to be considered favored among women like Mary was. I have alot of work in even coming close to these women. Another thing this book made me think about was my Lineage of Grace. My great grandmother was a strong woman, I don't ever remember seeing her cry. Even when her mind was being devoured by dimentia she still exhibited that amazing strength I admired in her. My Grandma, my mother's mother, was my best friend. She taught me more about faith than anybody else in my life. A pastor's wife for over 50 years, she knew what it meant to put your trust in God to supply all your needs--something I struggle with everyday. She was truly an amazing woman and I cannot express how proud and thankful I am to have been her granddaughter. My grandmamma, my dad's mom who died before I was born, I know little about, only what my dad has told me. Although I didn't know her I know she was a great woman because she gave me my dad. A quiet man, many people will never know how amazing my daddy is. He may not have much, but I have learned from him what it means to serve. For as long as I can remember,if it needed to be done, my daddy would do it. So many times he goes unnoticed and sometimes I feel like he is underappreciated, but that is the point of being a servant. He doesn't need the accolades and praise that so many men and women long for, he just does what he does because he loves Jesus. I can't write about my lineage without mentioning my mom. I look so much like her and at times I hear her voice come out of my mouth when I speak. That is a little scary, but not as bad as I would let on. My sweet mamma has taught me many things, but perhaps the one thing I have truly taken from her is to love old people. Often times these are the people who get neglected and pushed to the wayside, but these are the people who don't demand that you put on airs; they are past all that. On Valentine's Day, my mom used to make up little bags of goodies and take my sister & I to visit some of the older people we knew. I remember not wanting to go, but every year she would make me go and by the end of the day I was always glad she did. Not only are older people some of the nicest people to be around, they are also some of the most entertaining, full of wit and wisdom for those who will listen. My mamma taught me to appreciate these people and for that and so many other things, I cannot thank her enough. So after writing all this I guess it is pretty safe to say, that although I still have much to learn, I have a pretty good start due in part to my heavenly Father and the lineage of grace He has given me.