It was 1885, when a sixteen year old girl from Kammin, West Prussia boarded a ship for America. The oldest child in her family, she traveled alone. With precious few belongings stowed in her bag, she found her way to steerage, where she would spend her days at sea. A job as a housemaid awaited her in Hartford, Connecticut. Her name was Maria. She would be my grandmother.

Maria lived to be 99 years old, the matriarch of a large family. It was my privilege to know and love this strong woman. In the course of time I have inherited a number of items that were hers, but none is more precious to me than the rosary beads found tucked away in her dresser drawer. Each bead is a seed – and these seeds have stood the test of time for over a century. The rosary is small, most likely child-sized. I can picture her, rosary in hand, seeking strength and comfort from her God as she journeyed alone into an unknown future.

Each day I’m on a journey. It’s not as dramatic as crossing the Atlantic alone, but it is the unique journey given to me for that particular day. Whatever the day may bring, I need courage. Perhaps you do too. Wonder of wonders, this courage is ours for the asking. The Almighty God is alive and He walks with us each step of the way.

You know the words:

     “Because he lives
     I can face tomorrow
     Because he lives
     All fear is gone
     Because I know he holds the future
     And life is worth the living
     Just because he lives.”     Bill & Gloria Gaither

Take courage my friend, the Almighty God loves YOU unconditionally.

Judy