When I wake in the wee hours of the morning, I imagine those who came before me and let their love and prayers surround me. The beauty of love and prayers is that they never go away. Once prayed, a prayer lives on forever. My ancestors prayed for me, and I pray for my son, his family, and my grandchildren’s children and grandchildren. I believe in the power of prayer because I have felt its presence in my own life.
I’ve asked God thousands of times during the past thirty-five years to give His angels watch care over my son. I pray the same for his family, and will continue to pray for them as long as I am here and when I am with God. Christ is sitting at the right hand of God, His Father, praying for us. That is a humbling thought. Love and prayer join beautifully in the heart of a mother, father, grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.. God hears and holds each one of those prayers.
Hearts and lives are transformed by the prayers of angels and ancestors. I do not believe we become angels when we die. Angels are not humans who have passed into heaven; they are an entirely different entity, but I know they love and protect us because we are God’s children. I’m sure they are intrigued by humans. They celebrated Christ’s birth with abandon and showed themselves to the shepherds near Bethlehem because they could not contain their joy.
Angels and ancestors are not the same, but they do share a love for God and for us. I feel a connection with those who are still living, and I feel a connection to those who are with God. It brings me so much comfort to think about Benoni, Dice Ann, Flave, Anna, Jasper, Lilly Belle, mama, daddy, and all those who have paved my path with their prayers. I cannot imagine not having them in front of me on this journey, but if I didn’t have those dear ancestors, I would still have God, His Holy Spirit, and Jesus to pave the way for me. They are my ancestors thanks to Christ’s precious love, so I will never have to be alone.
When I woke at five this morning, I smiled and thanked the precious loved ones I knew and those I never met. I tell them I can’t wait to see them so we can watch the coming generations together. I plan to pray with all my heart now and in heaven. The call to pray is a powerful call. I used to think prayer wasn’t enough, but I’m learning it’s like putting money in the bank for those I love. The interest accumulates at a very high rate over the centuries, and the balance just keeps growing in my heart and in the hearts of those for whom I pray.
journeywithgigi 
You are a cousin I haven’t met. I am Ron Holden, ( aka: Ronald, Ronnie ).
Ralph Holden is my father. I chanced upon your article while seaching Grandpa. I never met your Dad, my uncle either, at least my memory doesn’t reveal him to me. We left Brevard when I was thirteen and relocated to Virginia.
I also have many fond memories of Grandpa and the farm. The store he owned on Railroad Avenue with the sawmill. He let me hang around the store when I was very young and I would sweep up and do other litle chores. He would reward me with Yahoo chocolate drinks he would heat on the potbellied stove in the rear of the store. He was always good to me abd I loved him very much.
Perhaps one day we will meet.
God bless you and yours.
Ron
ronsart@comcast.net
I do remember your father Ralph, but I didn’t know him well. What a great surprise to hear from you. I loved playing on Grand Daddy’s farm. He could grow anything! I didn’t know he had a store. I remember the Yahoo drinks and the candy, but the best thing about him was playing. He was a big kid with a big heart. We were lucky to have him as a grandfather. I hope we do get the chance to meet because I’d love to hear all about your memories. God bless you and yours too, Kathy