Author Philip Yancey tells of a life-changing experience he had while visiting Russia in 1991—a country then in a free-fall. 

Much has changed in Russia since that time, but Yancey comments on how there was a lack of trust in the air, a sense of forebodance about pretty much everything. Grown adults walked around with their heads sulked, disillusioned at everything they had been promised. 

This is the aftermath of a near 70-year program in which, among other things, the church had faced persecution. 

But he also witnessed some new, life-giving freedoms. He writes: “I heard from ordinary citizens who now relished their freedom to worship. Most had learned about the faith from a babushka, an old grandmother. When the state cracked down on the church, it ignored this group: let the old women sweep the floors and sell the candles and cling to the traditions until they all die off, they reasoned. The aged hands of the babushki, though, rocked the cradles. Young churchgoers today often say they first learned about God in childhood through the hymns and stories Grandma would whisper as they drifted off to sleep.”*

I’ve been reflecting on Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” The babushki—and people like them—are one of the reasons to show this honour. Over time they have learned the truth about what does and doesn’t matter. They continue to pray, teach biblical stories, and set a loving example no matter what.

Not everyone has a mother, grandmother, father or grandfather who has been like this. But there are most likely others who have filled that role. Further, you and I can endeavour to be that example to others.

In Matthew 5:16 Jesus said: “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”—today, tomorrow, and in the generations to come.

Notes:

-*Philip Yancey, What’s So Amazing About Grace? (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), 256.
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.