Grandmother's Advice

Week of September 20

My grandmother gave me a Bible when I went off to college. She said, “Read it when you feel down or need a lift.” I thanked her politely, packed it away and frankly went on with my life.


Years later, after a marriage, several children and many job changes, I found myself in a bad place. I was really down, lacking direction in my life and I was bordering on serious depression. I really needed to change.

I was rummaging through a closet, I’m not sure why now, and I moved a towel and there was the Bible my grandmother had given me when I was leaving for school.
I stiffened and I felt the hairs standup on the back of my neck. I heard the voice of that gentle sweet lady as if she was standing beside me. “Read this when you feel down or need a lift.” I took her advice right then and there.

A few days later, I was visiting my parents and I told them about finding the Bible and what grandmother had said when she gave it to me years ago.

“What day did this happen,” my mother asked?

When I told her my mother nodded slowly and this knowing smile came over her face.

“That is the anniversary of when you grandmother died,” she said.

I can say the advice my grandmother gave me did a lot more than give me a lift, it has changed my life forever.

James Cooper
Sarasota, Fl