One of the most influential people the world has ever known
entered her eternal, Heavenly home late last night.
Many had the privilege of knowing Billie Kyle Cunningham as a friend,
confidant, incredible cook, and prayer warrior. But I am one of nine
individuals who had the honor of knowing her as their grandmother.
Mammaw Cunningham chose to leave her legacy through her
every day living. For her, there was no need to wait until her earthly passing
for everyone to know what she stood for, Who she believed in, and all she
treasured.
Central to all of my memories of Mammaw is her unwaivering
faith in Christ. She and Pappaw Cunningham were devoted to loving others in a
way that honored the Lord and drew people into His presence. She was devoted to
loving others above herself, always choosing sacrificial love rather than ever
seeking to acquire worldly riches. Recently she and I joked about how wealthy I
thought she and Pappaw were when I was a young girl. I assumed so because they
were incredible givers. One of my favorite quotes, “If you are more fortunate
than others, build a longer table, not a higher fence” fits Mammaw so well. She
could make a pot of gumbo big enough to feed an army! Their home in Moss Point,
MS had a revolving door anytime I was there to visit. Neighbors, friends, and
kids from down the street all showed up unannounced for coffee, snacks, or just
friendly conversation. And Mammaw never complained. She always perked another pot
of coffee, prepared a snack and stopped what she was doing to invest in lives
of those seeking her company.
Mammaw’s love for Pappaw ran deep, even after a couple
decades of being a widow. Her love and ongoing devotion to him has allowed me
to glean from great wisdom. Her commitment as a mother and grandmother has
become one of the best influences in my life as I have navigated motherhood for
only a few years. Though many miles separated us, she walked with me through the
journey of infertility and miscarriage like no other family member could. She,
too, endured a miscarriage during her first pregnancy. Her encouragement and
her prayers for me in those difficult days were priceless.
Just one week ago, I was on the phone with Mammaw asking how
she was feeling. Though she’d been diagnosed with cancer and was in hospice,
she didn’t complain. All she’d say was, “The good Lord’s got me. No need to
worry!” Always considering the feelings of others. So much so that even in her
last days here on earth, she chose to send a birthday card to my oldest child.
We received the card hours before she went to Heaven. She wanted to make sure
that both of my girls received soemting for their birthdays this year. What a
woman!
Though I will greatly miss
talking to Mammaw – learning from her living legacy and reminiscing about our
days together when I was younger – I know for certain that she met her Savior,
Jesus Christ, face to face last night. Not to mention that there was some kind
of reunion in Heaven when my Pappaw and aunt and uncle, who all passed on
before her, were made aware of her arrival! What a homecoming!
1 Timothy 6:18-19
They are to do good, to be rich
in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for
themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of
that which is truly life.
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