One of our favorite shows to watch is Finding Your Roots on PBS. Recently, a phrase that one of the participants repeated often was,”be the answer to your ancestor’s prayers.” I scrambled for a scrap of paper to jot it down before I forgot it, which these days, I often do! I knew I’d use it and was waiting for the exact fit into one of my posts.

Last week, my fifteen year old granddaughter texted me and said, “Maw, I have something exciting to tell you that you’ll really, really like!”

My prompt response was, “Tell me, tell me!”

I pre-emptively sat up straighter and puffed my chest with pride as I anticipated her earnest words.

“I’m going to be baptized!”

I settled in for a long conversation and said, “Oh, my sweet girl, tell me all about it!”

I have since daily savored this conversation, recalling her tender voice retell her story and knew that I would use the title words of this post, “The Answer To Your Ancestor’s Prayers,” to share Kendall’s story.

I recall Paul in the New Testament speaking to Timothy, his young helper, in II Timothy 1:5.

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

My dear Kendall, I say to you, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your great great grandmother Bertha, your great grandmother Julia, your grandmother Sheila, your mother Lexie, and now lives in you. We are all so proud of you and your decision to follow Jesus’ teachings.”

Are you the answer to your ancestor’s prayers in all that you are, say, and do?