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Sunday, May 13, 2012

The thousand word project: Tender Strength




Normally I don’t write much with these pictures as I want them to speak for themselves; but this picture, on this day, needs a little more explanation. I found this photo moving without any explanation. The strong arms, the tender yet almost sad look on the mother’s face touched my heart; and the photographer’s error in cutting the baby’s head off at just that spot is almost as if it were intentional to emphasize the mother. By the way, did you notice that she is wearing an apron? :-)

But, there is more to this story. 

This sweet-yet-tired faced lady was my Gramma’s step-aunt, Margaret Gallup. She was the sister of Gramma's step-mother. Gramma always felt closer to this side of the family than to her own mother's family, so, of course, my mother did too.  

Aunt Margaret was a special lady. Only months before this picture was taken, before Baby Jane was born, Aunt Margaret lost her husband. She had a daughter in her teens and a younger son and daughter.  Her oldest daughter, Helen, dropped whatever plans she had for her life and went to work to support the family so that they could stay together. Aunt Margaret submitted to this, maintained the home, and raised her children on her own. Those were tough times. God’s enabling power made all this possible, and He blessed them in many ways. 

My admiration of her is great. I’m also humbled to think that I chose the title for this picture before I even knew the whole story. It not only describes this picture, it describes the lady herself. My mom and Gramma love her dearly and esteemed her highly. Through them, I do too. I look forward to meeting her someday in Heaven.

May God bless the godly mothers, the godly wish-they-were-mothers and hope-to-be-mothers; the godly aunts, grandmothers, cousins and sisters. We need more ladies of tender strength.

1 Thessalonians 2:7  But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
Ephesians 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

10 comments:

  1. All her children grew up to serve the Lord. That baby she is holding became a missionary in Congo, and her grandchildren are serving the Lord to this day. They truly had a "goodly heritage" and a wonderful example of how the Lord takes care of His own. I always felt privileged to call her "Aunt Margaret".

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    1. Thanks for the input, Mom. That adds such a great footnote, I might add it to the actual post just so readers are sure to see it.

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  2. Thank you for honoring my great grandma Gallup! She was a prayer warrior that I am so glad to have in my heritage of faith! And thank you for honoring my Grandma (Helen), that oldest daughter who was a pillar of strength & another amazing woman of God! I can't wait to get to Heaven to have a great reunion!

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    1. Thank you so much for commenting! I was honored to meet your Grandma (Helen) shortly before she went to Heaven. I was somewhat in awe of her at the time because she acted so natural - "for a lady who was dying". :-) I know I'd met her before that, but I don't remember any other times. I look forward to that grand reunion too! :-)

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  3. Oh Mary, thank you SO much for sharing this precious story with us! What a dear, dear woman. It's always a blessing to have you join Roses of Inspiration. Hugs!

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    1. You are welcome, sister. Her story still moves me. ((hugs)) What an inspiration she is.

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  4. A lovely post honouring a great lady in your family. Thanks for sharing.

    Diana

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  5. Thanks Mary. In her old age she was still a gentle soul, and she highly approved of Mom marrying me. No better imprimatur could be desired. I passed muster with grandma Ebeling also because I was six feet tall.
    Dad

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