Legacy of Faith

Posted by5thgenerationgirlPosted inUncategorizedTags:

Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 1:5

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice.

In 2019, research exploring the spiritual heritage of believers in Jesus in the United States revealed that mothers and grandmothers have a significant influence on spiritual development. Nearly two-thirds of people who claim a legacy of faith credited their mother, and one-third acknowledged that a grandparent (usually a grandmother) also played a significant role.

The report’s editor remarked, “Over and over, this study speaks to the enduring impact of mothers in . . . spiritual development.” It’s an impact we also discover in Scripture.

In Paul’s letter to his protégé Timothy, he acknowledged that Timothy’s faith was modeled to him by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). It’s a delightful personal detail highlighting the impact of two women on one of the leaders of the early church. Their influence can also be seen in Paul’s encouragement to Timothy: “continue in what you have learned [because] from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures” (3:14–15).

A strong spiritual heritage is a precious gift. But even if our upbringing lacked the kind of positive influences that helped form Timothy’s faith, there are likely others in our life who’ve had a profound impact in helping to shape our spiritual development. Most important, we all have the opportunity to model sincere faith to those around us and leave a lasting legacy.

Reflect: Who’s had a significant impact on your spiritual development? How can you encourage others in faith?

Pray: Father, thank You for the men and women in my life that have modeled sincere faith.

This particular devotion stood out to me because although it was my great grandmother along with my grandfather and her other six sons who strongly exercised their faith, I didn’t catch on to what they were trying to teach me until after they were gone. For me, the role was reversed, and it was actually my daughter who taught me about the importance of faith as I’ve watched her walk-in faith over the years. You can read the story here at https://5thgenerationgirl.blog/2021/10/03/the-blind-beautiful-faith-of-a-child/ of how God reached me through her.

Published by 5thgenerationgirl

Tammy Wynette is a mother of three and a “G-MA” (grandma). Born in Warren, Arkansas, she currently resides in Sacramento, CA and is pursuing an AA degree in English at American River College, with plans to transfer to California State University, Sacramento (Sac State). She is an active leader and role model in her community, she works with teens sharing and teaching poetry, as well as providing insight for young parents to prosper. She has certificate from NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) and is a trailblazer & Griot, keeper of stories/traditions passed down from her ancestors. As an Author and motivational speaker it’d be an honor to present at your events to inspire, encourage & let our VOICES be heard! She has short stories and poems published in Our Black Mothers Brave, Bold and Beautiful!

15 thoughts on “Legacy of Faith”

  2. Thanks for sharing the interesting research. I would imagine the motherly figure had a big role to play because of the traditional roles mothers played with upbringing and childcare. I’m glad to hear you got to grow faith through your daughter. I think it reinforces the importance of having a loving close bond with someone. Neither of my parents were much believers and I think it’s something I explored in my adulthood.

    Have a wonderful Christmas, Tammy!

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  3. Pingback: Legacy of Faith – Tonya LaLonde

  4. Your daughter did. That is just so lovely. A special gift.
    Thanks for sharing this, dear friend. I bless you and on this lovely season of celebration I wish you a happy Christmas: may there be light. May your Christmas be merry.

    May our hearts be quickened by love, and may free will stir us to action so that spiritual conception can happen.
    May we soon turn to our stillness within to allow the blessings to seep in. xoxo

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