Guest ~ Karen Friday, @FridayKaren
With Marcie Bridges, @Marcie_Bridges
Isaiah 35:1-2 TLB
I’m nostalgic with the celebration of Mother’s Day.
I grew up in the foothills of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Small town America nestled in a valley and surrounded by the Appalachian mountains known for historical museums and coal mining.
My grandparents lived nearby. A long, curvy, uphill driveway led to their home. Childhood memories fill my mind of the trek up and down the driveway by foot or bicycle.
America Maxfield, my maternal grandmother, displayed godly faith during my formative years. When she passed away, I gathered humorous and notable pieces of her life to share as a tribute.
There’s a prevalent snapshot that won’t escape me. Beautiful, colorful flowers lined both sides of her driveway. A picturesque landscape. A milestone.
Flowers weaved my words to the memories of her—America the beautiful. Flowers, as if painted on a canvas, displayed my grandmother’s driveway and captured her essence.
HEAVENLY FLOWERS
Creeping Phlox Flowers lined my grandmother’s driveway. White, pink, and purple, a colorful array.
An exquisite burst of bright gleaming,
reminds me of her life’s meaning.
White signifies pure, good, and clean,
seen in her while on the everlasting arms she’d lean.
Now she’s clothed in a white robe of Christ,
offered to her in heaven because of His sacrifice.
Pink like her rose colored blush neatly brushed on each cheek.
Joyful heart for the Lord she would seek.
Pink’s born from the color red or crimson,
the blood of Jesus given for her ransom.
Purple, the color of royalty, fit for her a queen.
Now she’s crowned by God, her Savior and King.
America, a royal priesthood, holy nation,
you accepted Christ, His salvation.
Wife, mother, and grandmother . . . roles she would play,
nothing negative of her anyone could say.
Wise, fun, and witty,
now she lives in the heavenly city.
Creeping Phlox Flowers lined my grandmother’s driveway.
White, pink, and purple in a colorful array.
An exquisite burst of bright gleaming,
reminds me of my grandmother’s life and special meaning.
~Karen ‘Girl’ Friday
©May 2016
America, and a heritage in Christ—who’s the driveway—leading to an
eternal home in heaven. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 ESV
I grew up
in the breathtaking view of the Virginia foothills. Today, I am growing
up in the Lord. Following Jesus to the foothills of God. One day, the
heavenly view will take my breath. I will bow at his feet, crown Him
with everlasting glory, and worship the Most High for all of eternity.
Will flowers line the streets in heaven? I’m not sure, but my grandmother will be there and so will Jesus.
words through writing, blogging, and speaking. For over a decade, she has
balanced the busy life of church ministry with working from her home office in
marketing. Karen earned a communications degree and has experience in a broad
spectrum of business services where she is frequently referred to as Girl
Friday. A blogger, Karen ‘Girl’ Friday engages a community every week, Hope is Among Us, expressing scriptural truths as life happens. She has
published a number of articles and devotions in both print and online media. An
inspirational speaker, Karen addresses a wide variety of audiences. She is
passionate about mentoring women and discipling followers of Christ to live
with authentic faith. Karen and Mike Friday reside in East Tennessee and have
two grown children. The entire family is fond of the expression, “TGIF: Thank
God it’s Friday!” They owe Monday an apology.
Touching and true! Thank you for sharing you video and your poem! The story of your grandmother's driveway reminds of my grandmother's driveway and the fun we had there.
Karen, thank you so much for being a part of Heart Thoughts and sharing such a touching poetry tribute to your grandmother for us. This is perfect for Mother's Day or any day. May the Lord bless you as you continue to write for His glory. ~Marcie 🙂
Karen, like Norma, this reminded me of my grandmother's long dirt driveway. Hers was lined with daylilies that I wiped out one time when my brother was teaching me to drive. I was about eight 🙂 I also loved your reference to God's foothills. That is a perfect reflection of our here and now painted in the shadow of God's holy mountain. Thanks.