Introduction

     Some years ago I met a grandmother who had traveled ninety hours by train across Russia to attend a faith conference in Austria. Her reason for coming was simply stated: "My daughter knows very few of our faith stories.  My granddaughter knows none of them, and I am beginning to forget."

   Her words reminded me again of the important role of grandparents in passing on the traditions and stories and visions of our faith.  We are a link in the chain of generations. Many of us in my generation have Bible stories echoing in our memories and resonating in our lives and imaginations.  Will our grandchildren know these stories?  Can we share them before we too begin to forget?

   Our gospel, our good news is a story made up of many stories.  Stories tell us who we are and to whom we belong.  Will our grandchildren be shaped only by the stories from the mass media and the consumer marketplace?  In the midst of ever-changing religious commuities, can our faith provide a significant source of identity for our grandchildren?

   These are the questions that propelled me to share this blog.  It is taken from my book, Grandmother Time Again, published by Dimensions for Living Press and no longer in print.  I will be sharing stories and the virtue they seek to teach.  We will also explore "How well do you know your grandchild?" and offer simple activites you and your grandchild can do together.

  I would love to be in conversation with you and hear your ideas.