"When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also" (II Timothy 1:5).

The only grandmother mentioned as such in the Bible was a fine Christian lady named Lois. In fact this is the only time the word itself (Greek, mamme, actually pronounced "mammy") is used in the Bible. Lois was the maternal grandmother of Paul's young friend, Timothy, to whom Paul wrote his final and most intimate epistle (while he was awaiting execution in a Roman prison).

Lois no doubt had influenced her daughter Eunice for Christ, and both had taught and trained young Timothy. Paul wrote acknowledging their influence on him: "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (II Timothy 3:14-15).

No doubt there were many other wonderful "mammies" in the early church, just as there are today. The writer of these lines thankfully recalls the great impact of two wonderful grandmothers on his own life. Many readers could share a similar testimony.

It is not so well known, however, that this day in September has been designated as Grandparents' Day. One of God's commandments is "Honor thy father and mother" (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2). They, in turn, have been responsible to honor their parents (our grandparents!). And one of the greatest blessings God has for godly grandparents is godly grandchildren. "But the mercy of the LORD is . . . upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children's children" (Psalm 103:17). HMM