Scattershot - by Anna Darlene Edmondson

“That you may tell it to the generation following” (Psalm 48:13 NKJV).

Newly married, we discussed where to live and raise our children. Suggesting his hometown made me nervous. A fearful attitude crept in and I doubted myself, my ability to get along with others. How would I adapt meeting new people in a strange town, much less warm to [in-laws]?

Boy, was I wrong. I had exceptionally and delightful second parents. I especially loved Betty. She showered loving-kindnesses, including me as part of the family. Honestly, she practically raised our four children; and, for that I’m grateful. Tom and Betty are with the Lord now, yet because of them we see sprinklings of love hovering in our home infecting the next generation.

In a word: phenomenal. Piled up memories in the driveways of my mind are thoughts of how she lived a Christ-like life without beating the Bible over my head. If anything like me, you’d rather be around someone who personifies love, mercy and goodness, than one who ‘talks a good game’.

Let’s look at another mother and daughter-in-law team found in the book of Ruth. Do you remember the details? To escape famine, an Israelite man moved with his wife Naomi, and their two sons from Bethlehem to the land of Moab. After the death of her husband and two sons, they faced a bleak future.

Once Naomi heard there was food in Bethlehem (once again), she planned a return to her homeland. She bid Orpah and Ruth farewell, but Ruth would not leave her side. Both Naomi and Ruth reaped a fruitful and perpetual inheritance that led to another marriage for Ruth and a grandchild for Naomi preparing Jesus’ bloodline.

Scattering seeds of grace throughout their lives, punctuated by eternal consequences. 

Darlene is a freelance Christian writer. Contact