A Lenten Devotion by Norma Hart
For the Lord is good: his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100:5
When my family came back to the states from Panama in September 1944 we lived with my mother’s parents for a few months. We were so happy to see our Papa and Nana again after three years away. I have wonderful memories of that time.
My Papa took my brother and me all over Queen’s Village on Long Island, N. Y. to meet his neighbors and friends. He took us into New York City to meet his co-workers. He took us to all the little stores where he and my Nana shopped to meet the people who worked there. He loved all those people and he loved us and wanted us to know each other.
One of my fondest memories of my Nana was when she took me with her to the polls in November of ’44 so she could vote. I can still see her in her dark longish dress and coat, stylish hat and high button shoes. She told me she had marched in the city when she was young to push for the women’s right to vote. She said she was 46 years old in 1920 when she won that right, and she had never missed voting since then, and had always voted Democratic because they had given women the right to vote.
I loved those two. I still do, actually. They taught me to love and respect all the people in my life, and to stand up for justice.
Gracious God, thank you for the people who came before us who showed how to live more fully.