Lesson 108: Granny and the Sword

Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

A few years ago, I had occasion to assist with a special dedication of a monument. After the service an elderly lady in a wheel chair was escorted in my direction. She stated her name and said that in all her ninety-three years, she had not been moved as by that particular service. I assured her that it was the spirit of the occasion, with the bagpipes playing Amazing Grace, the military salute offering their last tribute and the honor of being present to witness such a sacred event. She thanked me for representing General Lee and then stated, “I think you make a wonderful Lee but there is one flaw to your persona.” She had my attention, though I know there are several flaws. I asked her to divulge her secret so I could be better prepared. She simply said, “You need to get rid of that Japan sword.” Well, I assured her that was all I could afford and she said that she had one that she would give me. I thanked her lightheartedly, thinking that she was just being nice. I thought no more about it.

About fifteen months later I was honored back to the area to again speak and read a poem that I had written to honor our ancestors. The crowd was large and I asked my God to assist with my words and guide my heart. After I offered a brief oratory, the crowd began to divide like the Red Sea and in the middle of the sideway, came this same little wondrous lady with a sword in her lap. Her escort was pushing her chair and stopped at my feet. “Granny has something to give you,” he stated. With trembling lips of age she said, “Here’s that sword I said I would give you.” She shakily reached for it and grasped it to present it to me. Upon looking upon the sword, I realized that it was an original and that it was a Knight’s Templar! I stated that I was honored but could not accept such a family heirloom. Then she amazed me. In the voice of a granny she said, “I ain’t asking you to take it. I am telling you it is your sword. My husband has been dead for over twenty years, we didn’t have any children and my estate is settled. It belonged to his grandfather and I didn’t like the man anyway! But you must always remember that it is a Christian sword for Lee, a true Christian man.” Then she had me count the number of crosses on the sword and tell me their significance. I counted 13 and told her it was probably for the Confederate states or the original colonies. She stated that they represented the disciples and Christ and that the sword was one to be carried by someone who would share the news of Christ. I told her I was unworthy of such an honor and she interpreted me again. “No one is worthy of Christ. Each of us has a responsibility. Yours will be by your side as a reminder. Every time you seem to falter, face fear, or even doubt your purpose, simply touch the sword and you will remember your purpose. The sword is yours as long as you carry it humble and with honor.”

With that she bid me farewell and turned to her escort to instruct him to turn around. She is gone now, so her altruistic story can be told. I do not know her name. I only know of her Christian heart. And I carry the sword with the humbleness of character that I pray portrays a true Christian man. I do believe that her gift was of a nature to remind me that I MUST follow in the footsteps of Lee by following the Man that died on the cross in all things I do. Unworthy as I am, I shall continue to do all to honor the memory or our ancestors and be eternally grateful to an elderly lady that I have grown to love and simply call Granny. I am your unworthy servant, trusting in Christ alone for my salvation. The Old General