Thelma Ramke - A wife of noble character.

When many think of my grandmother they think of beautiful white hair. When I think of my grandmother I think of beautiful white hair. I knew her with no other color of hair it was always as white as the clouds. I grew to love that head of white hair, not for its beauty, but for its comfort.

To me, my grandmother's hair brought comfort in reassurance. It always reassured me of love, patience, and loyalty...all things she exemplified each time I was with her.

To me, my grandmother's hair brought comfort in the form of cheer. It was always such a happy time to see her. Her coy smiles and subtle laughter made much more of a scene than she wanted. And, times without her were always a little less sweet.

To me, my grandmother's hair represented that place to run to for gentle hugs and wet kisses. A place were soft conversation never focused on her too long before she humbly changed topics, to share in what I was involved with or was going to do next.

When many think of my grandmother they think of beautiful white hair, and so do I, but to me she was such a source of comfort in spite of whatever my life was like at the moment.

I am so blessed to have been able to have a woman such as her to have in my physical family and call - grandmother. We are all so blessed to have been able to have a woman such as her to have in our spiritual family and call - Thelma.

She was a peacemaker as God calls us all to be. She went, leaving her home in Louisiana and slowly making her way to Knoxville, as Jesus commanded us all to do. And, as I have mentioned, she comforted as our Comforter does each one of us. She did not do any of this for personal praise or trophies; she did it because that is what she, as a believer, was called to do.

She raised a family that reflects her spirit as well. She raised peacemakers, she raised a family that “goes out into all the world,” and she raised people that comfort others.

When many think of my grandmother they do not see a child born in a manager to bring peace to the earth. They do not see a man that went into the world to show love and hope. They do not see a man that was crucified on a cross to comfort us from the terrible nature in our hearts but they could...if that beautiful white hair didn't get in the way.

A year has passed since I wrote those words. I read them and think back, with fond memories, about some of the times I had with my grandmother. I don't think I would change much of what I wrote, however I could add a great deal. One addition would be the following passage from Proverbs. After I read it Grandmother was the first lady that came to mind as a living example. And upon second reading, I had firsthand memories of verses with her as "the wife of noble character."

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. 31:10-31