“FAITH, the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not yet seen.” Hebrews 11:1

This verse is often referred to as the verse that teaches us what faith is, something we cannot see and yet we know exists. This story refers to my Abuela (Spanish for mother-in-law) and my Abuelo (Spanish for father-in-law) which blessed me by allowing me to “See” faith.

My Abuelo and Abuela had come to visit us from Bolivia (their first time in the United States) for a 9 week visit with their son, my husband, and his family. Abuelo spoke some English, however Abuela spoke only Spanish. She had become blind and was now totally dependent on others, particularly her husband.

Near the end of their visit, Abuelo's health failed, he was hospitalized with hope of a recovery that would allow him to return home. In the hospital, on the morning of their 60th wedding anniversary, Abuelo, in his confused state, did not recognize the date, nor was he sure who Abuela was.. Abuela simply clasped his hands and quietly wept, 'Te Quiero, Enrique ( I love you, Enrique)' and then quietly prayed words of honor and praise, thanking God for sixty wonderful years of marriage with Enrique.  

I felt that I was tending to an angel in the days that I helped feed, clean and simply pat the feverish forehead of my father-in-law. However, it was in Abuela's presence that I felt I was in the presence of a Saint. Yes, she wept. Yes, she was uncertain of her own future and well-being, but not once did she ask God, 'Why?' or 'How?' Rather, she praised God that He is and will be her comfort and strength.

On the eve of withdrawing all feeding and medication, she thought about spending the night, but we all knew it was not good for her, nor was it necessary any more. She and I quietly knelt by the bedside as she again prayed. She asked not for a miracle to awaken her comatose husband, but rather prayed for God's will and the strength to carry out his will. She recognized God as sovereign, and submitted to His will for their lives. I will never forget that powerful prayer. Here was faith in the face of the darkest moments. (Remember, she was in a foreign country, did not speak the language and now would be returning home alone, with no gravesite where she can visit her Enrique) 

I have walked closely with Abuela and have seen faith and love in her presence. I am not talking about just the last few days lingering beside Abuelo's bedside as he slipped into eternity. A woman who prays first thing in the morning, throughout the day , and into the evening before retiring. She has been called a fanatic, super-religious, and close-minded. Yet, after getting to know her more deeply during her 9 week visit, I call her a woman who knows God personally and intimately like no one else I have ever known.

 I SAW faith and His powerful love in the face and actions of an elderly “fanatical” Christian, who had and has what it takes to walk through “the valley of the shadow of death,” knowing that God makes no mistakes. I'll never be the same. We can comfortably be nominal Christians, just religious enough to say a grace before meals and go to church when it is convenient. Or we can decide to live a life of faith, a life often misunderstood by other, but that does have a reason to exist and believe. A life, that is “...certain of what we do not see.” It took a blind Abuela to teach me that. Gracias Abuelita