Lessons about human kindness
This week's Five on Faith, which runs on Saturday's Religion page, asked readers about a relative or older person who taught them a lesson or lessons about faith, spirituality or human kindness, through word or deed.
Who was that person in your life?
I got this from Katharine Wilson of Ruffin:
"My Grandmama, Ollie Strader Washburn, long since in the real city of Heaven, did all of the above for me and more.
"I grew up in an extremely dysfunctional "family" where rejection, anger, hostility, gossip, favoritism, intense fear, unforgiveness and much abuse reigned. The moments I got to spend with my Grandmama were a gift from God to me. She was the kindest, most compassionate, joy-filled, unconditionally loving, self-controlled, funny person I ever knew -- all the things I craved while growing up in a role model.
"She was the greatest example of a Christian I ever knew, not perfect, but consistently practicing the Bible in actuality. When I was with her, I learned to laugh, smile, receive and give love. She helped teach what it means to forgive, with Christ's power, unspeakable hurts. She provided a deeply cherished atmosphere of peace. She influenced me to know the love of Jesus Christ and to begin on a journey of ever increasing love for Him, still growing, by the loving words she said, byt the words she never said, by acts of compassion for others that I witnessed, by acts of forgiveness given, and by letting Christ's love abide in her heart so fully that it flowed out onto my thirsty heart and soul. So I honor my relative, and most of all, the living Jesus Christ, the true love of my life."
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