The Voice of Southwest Louisiana August 2017 Issue

Reflective Light INSPIRED REVELATIONS FROM A MALE PERSPECTIVE
She personified that “good
woman” behind that “good
man”! Not only did she prepare
sustenance for the body, she
prepared food for thought...
Grandma’s Eyes
by Ronald J. Blanchard
The King James Version renders,
“Where there is no vision,
the people perish." Spiritual
insight reveals that this vision must be
‘prophetic’! No ordinary vision, it must
be a teaching vision that gives answers
to countless questions that challenge
us to hope for a better future, a better
world. One seeks to solve problems that
kill the potential of dreams. Beyond the
fascination and distraction of modern
technology, there is simplicity within
a solution that can be considered
through Grandma’s eyes.
As the world turns and one’s tomorrows
are less than one’s yesterdays, there
is not much time for reflection, but a
necessity to offer insight that is tried
and proven. For many, this is evident
as one journeys down memory lane to
a place where a fine silver-haired lady
with wisdom for the ages sat in her
rocking chair with matriarchal authority
and reverential respect. She personified
that “good woman” behind that
“good man”! Not only did she prepare
sustenance for the body, she prepared
food for thought—positive self-esteem,
respect, integrity, leadership and
individuality. Her soulful voice calmed
as family storms were weathered.
Grandma’s fading eyesight never
interfered with her ability to see reality.
Looking through her eyes, every child
had unlimited promise to become
whoever or whatever they want to be.
Her understanding of the nature and
nurturing of children revealed that
effective parenting involves balance
and restraint. She believed that what
you plant is what you’ll grow. In her
day, it was not uncommon to raise a
dozen children or more. Amazingly,
each child felt special as a unique bond
was established between mother and
child. Grandma may have been defined
educationally as illiterate, but she could
‘read’ her children, allowing her to
make necessary adjustments as each
child was gifted in different ways. Some
required more patience than others,
however there were no limitations
placed on their dreams as Grandma
looked beyond their superficial flesh
to see doctors, lawyers, teachers,
craftsmen, farmers—contributors to
society.
Grandma, product of divine creation
and intervention, never stopped
believing in her children, her
grandchildren, her great grandchildren.
Placing unconditional love into their
equation, she determined that the
universal solution comes from within,
like a seed of hope from darkness
elevating into light. Grandma was
a living testament and witness to
possibilities. Her unselfish persona
created ‘home’ for other children
in the neighborhood, ignoring the
limitations of race and biology, she
loved humanity. After all, every child
she met became a part of her life’s work
to preserve the human family.
Grandma never gave up on the children
of hope. She always envisioned these
assets of the community. Heavenly gifts
in physical packages is what she would
see. She never met a child that could
not be a part of the essential plan for
a better world. She clearly understood
that the people of tomorrow are the
children of today. Every individual has
value and eternal worth. Such is the
vision through Grandma’s eyes!
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August 2017 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 5 • Number 1