Timothy's Grandma

Submitted January 3, 2012

Timothy's grandmother Lois and mother Eunice influenced Timothy's faith. I want to have that influence on my children.

Source: Darlene Lausted

I just started listening to the recordings of the home office's bi-weekly Bible study  on the Pastoral Epistles. In the introduction to 1 Timothy, the pastor, Steve Myers, pointed out the influence that Timothy's grandmother and mother had on him.

In Acts 16:1Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
See All..., we are told that Timothy's mom was "a certain Jewish woman who believed," and that "his father was Greek." In 2 Timothy 1:5When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
See All..., Paul mentions Timothy's "genuine faith" and said it first dwelt in his grandmother Lois and then his mother Eunice.

I know I'm not the only woman that struggles with wondering "what's my role in the church?" And I'm not even always talking about the "big picture" of the Church, but the "little picture"—my local congregation and simply in my family. My husband leads songs and speaks at church services, but I often forget how very important and influential my role as a mother and wife can be. Women can do so much "behind the scenes."

The Proverbs 31 woman is often the woman we all seek to be. And it is indeed the ideal I strive for, but you know, she really intimidates and overwhelms me. I try to provide the best food for my family and keep my house clean. But I have to admit I don't rise "while it is yet night" to get food on the table (Proverbs 31:15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
See All...). I don't have my own side business. I don't make tapestries (Proverbs 31:22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
See All...), though I do crochet!

Yes, I work and hope to someday be just like the Proverbs 31 woman, but for now, I'm going to strive to be like Timothy's mom and grandma. I want to raise my girls to have "genuine faith" so they can raise their sons and daughters to have "genuine faith." I want to raise good girls. I want to be a good example.

I strive to be like Timothy's mom and grandma. That is my role; both in the "big picture" and the "little" one.