Billie Ruth Thedford

Billy Graham said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.”

I'm luckier than most. I had my grandmother for 52 years, and for those 52 years she comforted me anytime troubles arose. Even as she was getting close, one of the last things she said to me and Cindy was "Don't worry, it’s going to be ok." All the way to the end she was trying to comfort me! She deserved better than me, but for whatever reason the Lord let me win the grandma lottery. The word hasn't been invented yet that could describe the love I have for her. Infinity is the closest, I guess, but still doesn't do it justice.

The Lord declared the two greatest commandments on which all of God's laws rest:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment."

And a second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

She loved God with her entire being. If this commandment wasn't obeyed, she wouldn't have been able to follow the second. I just don't think you can love your fellow man if you don't love The Most High. For if you didn't love something, how could you truly love its image? For we are created in his image.

She loved and cared about everyone she met. People in this room that met her and got to know her just a little can testify to that. This beautiful woman radiated love involuntarily and didn't worry about somebody's status, wealth, or what coat of skin you wear. She always had a hug and an "I love you" at the ready.

In these things you see a faithful daughter of our Father.

My personal loss and grief is immeasurable. I haven't lost a grandmother, I've lost a mother. But I'm comforted by the promises of the Lord "Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." | Matthew 5:4" "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." And in the fact she's dancing with Paw again in the glory of God.

Thank you for loving this beautiful woman I called Memaw.