I was one of the lucky ones. I grew up in a small town with loving parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, great-aunts and uncles, Bible class teachers and neighbor ladies. Everybody in our community knew my family and each of these women helped raise me. (Sometimes it took several to get the job done.)

Now, as I look back over my life, I can hear again, their messages. If I listen, I can still hear their voices, see the love in their eyes or the stern look of their mouth. I can hear their warnings. My mother would say, "We've already talked about this!" I can still hear Mamo say, "Jean! Just stop a minute and think!" They would encourage me and congratulate me on a job well done. My mother's sister taught me how to roller skate, and I can still here her say, "You were born to do this! Just keep going!" She was right. Years later, some friends and I opened a skating rink!

I can hear them reading with me, helping me with memory verses, the multiplication tables and spelling words.

There are times I still need their words of instruction, correction and encouragement. I wonder what advice or instruction they would have if they knew I was writing books?

There are other women, from long ago, who left messages for us. Messages to help raise us up to be children of God.

Open your Bible with me. Envision the women of long ago. Walk with me through their lives and listen. Can you hear their messages coming through the ages?