Sunday Slowdown
a storytelling email from the pages of Gritty Faith Magazine designed to make space for purposeful reflection and intention as you reset for the week ahead
Roots and Twiggy
by Betsy Gundersen as published in Gritty Faith: Rooted
When I was young and found a love in writing, one of the many people I would write little letters to regularly was my grandfather. He and my grandmother enjoyed my childish viewpoint of how the world worked and the wonder that I showed them at even the simplest of things. As I grew into a teenager, our correspondence became more and more interesting and we developed nicknames for each other: I was Twiggy and they were Roots. I don't remember everything from our letters, but I had a deep love for my grandparents. They, in turn, taught me kindness, compassion, and respect for others. Most of all, we talked about God.
My grandparents were a different denomination than I was raised in, and while we were both still Christian faiths, the differences in how they were applied caused rifts between my parents and grandparents to a degree. My dad was a pastor and my grandpa was a reverend. As a child, I did not understand these differences because to me it was simple: we all love the same God, we all have Jesus to claim us... what else mattered? As an adult, it still saddens me to see conflict among Christians.
Sometimes I would discuss these things with my grandparents, and they explained once that even if people disagree, they can still love each other and communicate in a respectful manner. My parents never disrespected my grandparents or vice-versa, and they encouraged me to learn about other Christian faiths because they did believe that doctrine should not separate us from Christ. However, I believe the Lord was working on my heart to bring peaceful solutions to my family. Deep in my heart, a yearning for peace had been planted, nourished by a desire for a relationship of compassion and understanding, and the Lord let His face shine upon it in love. Our hearts are fertile ground for growth, and what we allow into it will show in our thoughts, words, and deeds.
When I was 15, I heard the Lord speak to me, directly, for the first time. I had witnessed a distressing event at a friend’s home that sent me running to the security of home. When I arrived, it was late at night and everyone was already asleep, so I desperately prayed for peace, that my friend would be safe after I left (she wouldn’t come with me). As Jesus spoke those words of peace into my broken heart and mental chaos, I was never more aware of the fact that I was loved and would never be alone. Jesus Christ would be with me always.
Over the last couple of years, I lost both my grandfather and grandmother. I was blessed to be able to see them both before they left for their heavenly home and ask them to hold a spot for me. We talked about so many things they remembered from my little stories, letters, and phone calls. For a brief moment, I was little again. After my grandmother passed last year, my aunt found several boxes of letters and sent me some that I had written to them. “Dear Roots!” one salutation said, “We had class pictures this week and I wanted to send you my favorite one. I am in 5th grade now and picked my own clothes out. I made this scarf I am wearing. Can you send me a picture? Mom says I can call this weekend if you aren't too busy. Did Grandpa get a good message from Jesus for Sunday? Grandpa tells good stories, so I think Jesus would like to hear them. I know I do. Talk to you soon! Love, Twiggy.”
Through the roots my family had in our faith, I experienced a small amount of the fullness of the love God has for us. Keep growing, deeply rooted in the love of Christ, and let everyone see you bloom!
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Betsy Gundersen is the co-owner of Golden Autumn Farmstead and the creative force behind Bizzy B's Soaps. Drawing inspiration from her faith, Betsy crafts each product with intention and love. She welcomes custom requests to accommodate allergies, sensitivities, or to create something uniquely special. Connect with her on Facebook
and Instagram, or visit goldenautumnfarmstead.com to explore her offerings.
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Prayer by Tina Joy Cochran
Papa, I believe You. I believe You when You say I am Yours. I believe You when You call me Beloved. That seed of joy You gave me is just beginning to take root and push above the surface. The tiny leaves feel fragile and delicate, just like my heart, and yet I will stay here with You and continue to grow. Getting to know Your heart changes everything. Help me to learn more. Help me to truly understand and abide in Your love each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Tina Joy Cochran is the heart behind Golden Heartland, a business coaching community where Christian women blend faith, creativity, and marketing to build rural lifestyle businesses. Living in the peaceful countryside of Southwest Missouri, Tina coaches women to create businesses that enable them to live the life of their dreams, encouraging them to embrace their God-given talents and weave faith into every aspect of their entrepreneurial journey. Having faced her own challenges, Tina understands the grit and determination it takes to overcome adversity. She is also the author of Coming Home to Joy and 30 Days to Joy, and hosts the podcast, Joy-Led Business. Her work is a testament to the power of faith and resilience, offering hope and inspiration to women ready to step into their boldest dreams. Discover more at goldenheartland.com. |
