Saying Goodbye to my Grandma
She was a pillar of faith and joy to my family
I’ll never forget what my Grandma said when I called to check on her as we launched “Let Us Worship” in the summer of 2020.
She was 92 years old, and I was concerned about her health and wanted to make sure she was safe during the rapid spread of Covid-19. The media and trolls online had already begun naming me a “Superspreader” and “Grandma killer,” so I thought it would be good to frequently check in on my Grandma and share my heart on what I felt God was telling us to do with LET US WORSHIP. After hearing that she was safe and healthy, and explaining the vision of where we were going and what we were doing, she abruptly cut me off mid-conversation.
She said, “Sean, I’m sorry dear, but I am in the car driving to deliver with ‘meals on wheels’ for the seniors locked in their homes. Can I call you back?”
I responded, “Grandma, you are 92 years old!! Can’t someone else deliver meals to these 70-year-olds during the pandemic?”
She said “Honey, if I don’t do this, I really don’t know who will. Everyone is scared right now, but these poor people have to eat!”
This was my Grandma in a nutshell. A woman of courage, devotion, perseverance, and an unmatched work ethic. She did not stop serving, working, and helping people, even at 92 years old! She loved God with her whole heart, loved her family, and loved people.
Even when her house, car, belongings, and everything she owned was swept away during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, she never lost her joy amidst such devastation. She relocated back to Alabama and helped many others do the same while building church, community, and friends everywhere she went.
What a precedent set for my family! What a model for a generation! What an inspiration to me to not give up during the pandemic and lockdowns.
Yesterday, I had the honor and privilege of doing her graveside service in Valley, Alabama. We worshiped, prayed, wept, laughed, and thanked God for the beautiful and FULL life she lived.
We finally laid her to rest next to my WWII veteran Grandpa in a quint little cemetery out in the country. My heart is sad, somber, and yet provoked to live a life just like her.
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”—1 Thessalonians 4:13
I just read about what you said about your grandmother!! What an Awesome and Amazing woman!! I’m 82 and pray my Legacy to my Family and Grandchildren will be that she ( me) lived for Christ and prayed Everyday for my Kids and grandchildren to come to know Jesus as their Personal Savior! Only one Life, twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will Last!!
I saw your YouTube video first and was amazed at the clarity in your eyes. But I had no sound the first few moments. So I replayed and when you said you officiated your Grandma’s funeral I wept over the profound beauty of that statement. You are the living example of her heritage because I see the same strength in your life, eyes, and example of her. I saw her final prayer for you, so I know I see what I see with my eyes. Both naturally and spiritual eyes. God bless you as you return to your home and family. You are the grandchild of this incredible lady you describe!!!!