I'm not sure how old she was when she first picked it up ? She was still only a child when she married, she was thirteen. They had two son's, there first arriving some three years later when she was still only sixteen. Her husband was older, but times were hard in Alabama in 1919.
I'm not sure how well she wielded it during her early years. But by the time I was born some thirty years later she had become quite proficient. Because I was young and knew nothing else, it seemed perfectly normal to see her with it drawn and ready for battle.
I have seen her reduce a grown man full of hate and the rage of strong drink, to that of a child, crying and full of sorrow. I have seen her take on Satan himself, toe to toe, her dark eyes like fire, Jesus ! was her battle cry.
Her battlefield, why it could be a steet corner, the grocery store, even a bar room. There where no "Do not enter" signs when it came to spreading the Gospel and witnessing for her Lord. She knew no fear, her Bible was her shield, her sword.
She was never to busy, it was never to late, she was never to tired. You could call on her anytime, for prayer, to talk, to cry. Seems she had a direct line with Him, and it stayed busy. Oh how she loved Jesus...................
The years quickly slipped buy as I grew up, and I watched as she grew older, her steps slow and measured now. Her body bearing the scars of many battles. But her eyes, still dark and clear, and ever watchful. And I have seen her somehow summon up the strength of ten men and quickly step onto the battlefield for her Master, her Lord.
She has gone on now, laid down her sword, laid down her shield. And our parting at the rivers edge I still recall. She has gone on to be with those that fought so glantly before her. But mostly she has gone to be with Him, her Lord her Master, oh what a glorious day, what a rejoicing there must have been. Her body now whole, a robe of spotless white, streets of gold, walking hand in hand with Jesus
Now who will pick up the sword, and fight for rightness. Who will pick up the shield, and protect the weak and infirmed. Could you , could I ? After all, I am just a man. She was a Warrior
It was 1919, times where hard in West Alabama. She was just a child, she was just a mother. She picked up the sword......................
