Susan Seymore lives in Damascus, VA with her husband, John. She is mother to four and grandmother to seven. As prayer coordinator, she strives to lead women at First Baptist Church Damascus into a deeper spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. With a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in career and technical education, she served as program manager for the Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program for seven counties in Southwest Virginia before retiring in 2011. Because of God’s amazing provision, compassion, and presence during the recent tragic death of her son, Susan’s focus is now directed toward encouraging women of every age to draw closer to the abiding love of Christ—the only glue we can count on to hold us together when the world comes crashing down.
Her smile … I can write volumes about her smile! Sally Susan Martin was my grandmother. I never really knew her because she died from a stroke when I was four years old. What I do remember is her smile from a photograph. One of the last pictures taken of her is of a beautiful lady with silver hair drawn back in a bun. She is lying in a hospital bed propped up by several pillows. A shawl is wrapped around her shoulders. What drew my attention was her beautiful smile. It spoke to me about her amazing heart, her love for her family, all the sacrifices she was happy to make for those close to her, and the sweet spirit that not just survived but also was strengthened through all the difficulties and celebrations experienced in her 65 years … the loss of two babies, watching her other seven children mature and thrive, battling the devastating effects of multiple strokes, and embracing the love of grandchildren as well as that of her Savior, Jesus Christ. When I think of someone I would like to emulate, I think of my grandmother and the influence she has had on my life through her smile – the product of a deeply ingrained faith.
When I think of my Savior, I see that same sweet smile and recognize the origin of the smile on my grandmother’s face. I am drawn to it – just like Grandma’s. I am assured that no matter what happens, He has my back. I am again reminded of all that He endured … the highs and lows – the incredible cost He paid because of His incomparable love for me.
Who would ever think that a smile would be so revealing? I can’t remember an embrace from my grandmother (although I’m sure she hugged me often), but I can feel my Savior’s warm embrace everyday. In my mind, I can see that His smile – the smile that touches my soul, warms my heart, and assures me that all is well despite what is happening around me. The smile that lets me know I am His … All is well!
A smile! So little required … So much produced!!! My grandmother died about 70 years ago but her smile is still alive and well!
