A League of Extraordinary Women

In researching my family history, I have realized that I come from a tradition of strong women.

My great-grandmother and my grandmother

Women who were known for their generosity and for their strength.  Women who had healthy marriages, but who were also independent.  Women who knew that it is more important to invest in the marriage than to invest in the wedding.

My grandmother and grandfather

Women who exhibited the love of Christ, who took care of their own families, and who took care of others.  Women who sacrificed their own pleasures for others.

My mother and me

Women who had fun, creativity, and talent.

My mother-in-law

We leave to my daughters a great heritage.

Four Generations: My grandmother, my mother, me, and my children

And women who, when they are gone, will enter Grace and wait for us patiently on the Other Side.  We will see them again.

A TIME OF SORROW

Here now, I lay me down to rest

God has my soul, my life was blest

A time to mourn and a time to weep

Oh take me Lord into thy keep

In this time of mourning and deep grief

we pray your sorrow be but brief

Look up to Heaven for your strength

we know his love goes any length

Even though she's here no more

picture her at Heaven's Door

as to dust she returns to Earth

it signifies her Eternal Birth

She's standing in the arms of Grace

and looking at God's holy face

Our bodies here must pass away

her job now?  Sing Praise!! all day

Those earthy ails are here no more

she's dancing on the Golden Shore

Let her dance in your mind's eye

see her happy; don't wonder why

Memories might make you sad

remember the life she had

while you're in the midst of grief

let God's Spirit bring relief

One day you'll say, I'm doing just fine

"Beauty from Ashes" can take some time

Let this hope keep tears at bay:

Together we will be some day!

Jamie Franck Turner

© March 2012