From one generation to another

"One generation shall laud your works to another,

and shall declare your mighty acts" (Psalm 145:4).

My daughter, Annie, studied a picture of me praying with my mom. "You were three?" she asked. I nodded. "I was three when Umma taught me the Lord's Prayer; Do you remember?" questioned Annie. Yes, I remember. From one generation to another.

I also remember how little Annie would close each prayer time with an extensive session of God-blessing: God bless [insert name] and [insert name] and [insert name].... In faithful recitation, Annie blessed by name her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, and an assortment of important others. From one generation to another.

This Thursday I will offer a litany of thanksgiving, remembering with gratitude the people who are important to my faith and faithful practice. I will remember Paul, Annie, Sean, Anne, Stephen, Nancy and Marj. I will remember saints who cheer on from the great cloud of witnesses, including Elna, Ken, Hazel, and mom (AKA Umma). From one generation to another.

Who are the saints who nurture your faith? Who sparks and renews your passion for anti-hunger and anti-poverty ministries? Who do you nurture in faith and faithful practice?
--Sue Edison-Swift