Coffee with Joy

Ash Wednesday.  A day when we remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return.  This fragile humanity.  This one life spent on earth.  Sometimes we live as if we are invincible and other times, we know and acknowledge that we are not.

This Ash Wednesday, I remember my Grandmothers.  My Grandma Virginia passed away on Ash Wednesday 2014.  My Grandma Anne passed away on Easter Sunday 2018.  The significance of that is not lost on me.

They were both strong and loving, but each taught me different things about those qualities.  My Grandma Virginia emphasized strength and equality.  She is the strongest woman I’ve ever known and bounced back quickly each time she faced inequality in her own life.  She went on to teach me by example that she firmly believed that all people were made in the image of God and should be treated accordingly.  All people.  Imago Dei.  Made in the image of God.

My Grandma Anne taught me unconditional love.  I was never a bother, even when I showed up unexpectedly, which was most of the time.  Even when our whole family crashed at her house when we were between houses.  In fact, when my cousins and I were texting after her death, we discovered that we all thought we were her favorite.  She treated each of us like we were unique and special, because we are.  Imago Dei.  Made in the image of God.

My Grandmothers both lived well into their 90’s, and I remember wondering what would ever happen to them. They were both so strong and resilient.  In a way, I felt that they might be invincible.  But death did eventually come for them, on Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.  The timing of their deaths is a reminder from God for how I am to live, strong and loving like my Grandmothers, as I face this fragile humanity.  Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.  Ashes to ashes.  Dust to dust.  Imago Dei.  Made in the image of God.

(Cross Photo by Graceful Moments Photography)