by Cathy Baker

Growing up, one of my favorite things to do at MaMa’s (my dad’s mother) house was to sneak into her walk-in pantry, reach up as far as my tippy toes would take me and snatch a cherry lollipop from the Lollipops For Good Little Boys and Girls box nailed on the wall. Lime pops were always tossed back, of course.

MaMa, to hear my dad and uncles tell it, was a strict disciplinarian when they were growing up. No wonder! Four boys and a husband who worked 12 hour days could make for a bit of tension. As a grandmother, however, while feisty and a bit headstrong, her love was evident up until her dying day in 2010. MaMa often mentioned how she could see “Bob” (her son, my dad) in me. I believe it’s one of the reasons her face lit up every time I visited, especially in her latter years.

Now, as a grandmother, I understand her delight. When I look at my grandchildren, I see their fathers, my sons. 

Colossians 3:3 says, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

As Christ followers, we are called His children (John 1:12) Because Jesus chose to be nailed to a cross on our behalf, God no longer sees our imperfections; He sees the righteousness of Jesus, His Son, instead. (2 Cor. 5:21) When God sees you and me, he sees his Son. 

You and I can’t do anything to make God love us more, nor can we do anything to make God love us less. Thank You Jesus!

Thankfully, my ability to emerge from MaMa’s pantry with cherry laced lips was never dependent on whether I deserved it or not. Her For Good Little Boys and Girls lollipop box was nailed to the wall simply because she loved her grandchildren.

And it’s for this very reason it hangs on my kitchen wall today.  

You are significant and utterly cherished. Not because you are ‘good,’ but because you are Mine. ~Jennifer Dukes Lee, Love Idol