By Melissa McLaughlin
A Grandmother’s Faith
We called her Nanny. With a ready smile and sweet spirit she radiated an inner contentment, the peace that only God can provide. Nanny’s steadfast faith in Christ, despite illness and hardships, endeared her to me and all who knew her.
It was a thrill whenever she came to visit. However, with the passing of years, the pain in her waning body made it difficult to move about as she once did. She found delight reclining in a chair near our living room picture window, watching the squirrels scamper and frolic in the front yard. A simple, yet lovely way to pass the time and lift the heart.
I remember one visit in particular, when Nanny’s arthritis was flaring up so severely, she was unable to get out of bed except for short stretches of time. I asked her to play a matching card game with me while she rested in bed.
As a child, I thought this was fantastic fun… playing a game on the bed with my grandmother! I didn’t care that she wasn’t out and about. I reveled in her presence, love and attentiveness.
Now that I am gaining experience with the aches and pains of an aging body, I am beginning to understand what a labor of love that was. To be in such pain you cannot get out of bed, yet joyfully play a card game with your grandchild in such a way to leave a cherished memory.
One of my grandmother’s favorite hymns was His Eye is on the Sparrow.
I have always loved this beautiful song, partly because it was one of Nanny’s favorites, but also because of the heartfelt lyrics, soulful melody and timeless scripture truth.
His Eye is on the Sparrow
When I learned the brief history behind the song, I realized how fitting it was that Nanny loved it so.
Civilla Martin, who wrote the lyrics, said of her inspiration to write the song, based on the scriptures:
Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” was the outcome of that experience. (Quote from Wikipedia)
His Eye is on the Sparrow is based on the Bible verses recorded in Matthew 10:29-31– Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Of all God’s magnificent creatures, a sparrow is common, small and insignificant. Yet, the life of each tiny bird is precious in the sight of our Creator.
Wherever you are today, you are seen and treasured by the One who made you, loves you and died to save you.
His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Lyrics by Civilla Martin
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
Do you have a tender memory of one of your grandparents? Or a cherished hymn or worship song? Please tell your story!
Additional Resources:
Do not worry… Consider the Lilies By Melissa McLaughlin
The Psalm that inspired Joy to the World By Melissa McLaughlin
It is Well With My Soul: A Message for Today By Melissa McLaughlin
I love this song and the story of your Nanny. I called my grandmother Nanny also. I did not see her often because she lived across the ocean but it was a blessing to visit with her.
The thought of how God watches over the sparrows brings me so much comfort. Thank you Lord for loving us so much. God bless you Melissa
Thank you for sharing a little memory about your Nanny! Grandparents are such a gift to us. It is such a simple scripture, but brings such deep comfort to remember. He is watching over us with love. God bless you, Yvonne.
Thank you for sharing precious memories. I called my grandmother “Ninny”. I’m not sure where the name came from, but, she was the sweetest person. I loved snuggling her and sitting in her lap.
Awww, sounds like a name you might have given her as a little child. What precious memories. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing the precious story of your Nanny! It really brought memories of my Grandmom. She was a quiet, dignified woman who always had a apron on, I loved the way she clapped her hands, using the back of her right hand to gently clap it with the left hand, while her eyes were closed. Whether it was “He’s Sweet I know” or Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” she always had a smile on her face.
Dear Valerie, thank you for sharing the memories of your dear Grandmom. I was imagining the precious vision of her clapping and singing those beloved hymns. What a blessing from God!
Dear Melissa, you’ve brought such comfort to me to read of your sweet memories with your Nanny. So often I feel sorry that I am unable to be out & about with my grandchildren. But, oh, what a blessing to have them sit with me and tell me their stories. Thank you for your encouragement today.
Dear Bettie, thank you for reading and I thank God the memories of my Grandmother brought you comfort. I am sorry for your continued health battles. Adding to the suffering is the difficulty doing things with your loved ones. Please be encouraged to remember you are passing on your faith and your love to your family and grandchildren. These are priceless gifts, more prized than any trip you could take or present you could give. May God continue to lift your spirit and blanket you with His love.
I would like to include my grandfather aklso. loved being taught chess by him and just play. My grandmother was cooking good food and here in Sweden we have the 7 cookies tradition. Remember eating food then dessert, and even if ful eating 7 kinds of cookies right after that. Miss her and will see her in Heaven. thank you dear sister Melissa for using your god given gift in this beautiful way. God bless you.
by the way remember them growing things in their nearby allotment. Things like strawberries and rhubarb if remember correctly. I’ll treasure those memories dearly.
Thank you for including your precious memories of your grandparents! These are wonderful remembrances. I love to imagine you playing chess, enjoying 7 kinds of cookies and sharing in the joy of growing strawberries and rhubarb in the garden. Grandparents offer a special kind of wisdom and love. Such a gift from God! Thank you again for sharing.
I am thankful that Jesus loves even me, as another song states. The little birds are so tiny and precious that it is no surprise that God cares for them. The real surprise is that He values me. But, that He does because the Savior has said it is so.
Such deep truths. Thank you for sharing your insights, Tom. The little birds bring joy and delight with their songs and beauty. But yes, God loves us too. Our sin-stained hearts are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. Jesus loves me, this I know for the Bible tells me so.
Amen
I direct a choir at an RV park chapel service. Part of each service includes a “hymn sing” where folks call out their favorites. Just about every week someone selects this hymn. It continues to speak, year after year. Thanks for this wonderful post, Melissa. His eye is on us
That’s a quite a testament to the lasting power of this scripture song. Thank you for sharing your experiences as a choir director, for you get to witness the faith of many people in many places. What a blessing, His eye is on each one of us. He is faithful. God bless you and your ministry of music, Bruce!
Such a lovely post, Melissa. Your grandmother must have been a wonderful lady, like you. I loved both my grandmothers dearly and have fond memories of each of them and how they related to their grandchildren including me. And appreciate the history behind the song you shared. God bless
She really was a wonderful lady, Karen. She passed on her faith and sweet spirit to my mom, too. I’m thankful you have precious memories of your grandmothers, as well. There is a special bond between grandparent and grandchild. The history of this song is a lovely as the song itself. Blessing to you!
Dear Melissa, your beautiful post made me tear up a bit. What a precious memory. And what a wonderful grandmother you had. She obviously passed on a loving faith to you too.
My grandmothers were very reserved about what they believed, but my favorite grandma’s face always lit up when her grandchildren entered her house. I think of her when my grandson comes over for Sunday dinner. It ain’t hard to smile when your heart is rejoicing.
Blessings ~ Wendy Mac
Dear Wendy, thank you for reading and sharing your experiences and thoughts. There is a special love between a grandparent and grandchild. May our faces lit up in memory AND in person, over this sweet blessing from God. Blessings to you and your family.
And I know He watches me.
Song of my heart