Granny’s Seed Story
A Seed That Changed Everything: A Family’s Journey to Faith
Some parts told by Marilyn Gail Thompson
Salvation came to my family’s home through a simple seed story shared by our next-door neighbor, affectionately known as “Granny.” She was vibrant, high-spirited, and deeply in love with God. Her zeal was contagious and her stories left lasting impressions on us. Storytelling has always been a cherished part of my family’s Christian legacy, and now, it’s my turn to share one of my own.
Power of A Seed
A seed planted in our hearts through a simple story can grow when the conditions are right.
A Seed Planted at the Clothesline
Granny often visited my Mama while she hung clothes on the line, striking up friendly conversations over the fence. I believe Granny’s conversations were genuine, motivated by compassion, and a deep concern for what we were going through. One day, in her usual lively tone, she shared how she had a “high time” at church the night before. She loved singing, shouting, dancing, and praising God. While Mama didn’t say much, her heart was moved, and she quietly thought to herself, “I wish I could shout, dance, and have a good time in church like that.” At that moment, a seed was sown.
The Summer of 1969: A Year to Remember
The summer of 1969 was an era marked by significant events that shaped culture and society. Although this period was overshadowed by the social unrest of the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War protests, many other events were equally impactful as well. The Apollo 11 moon landing, the devastation of Hurricane Camille along the Gulf Coast, and the Woodstock Music Festival, a countercultural phenomenon of the '60s, stand out as iconic moments. Among these historic milestones were the Jesus Movement and the Charismatic Revival, which swept across the nation, manifesting miracles, signs, and wonders through the power of the Holy Ghost.
For me, a four-year-old, that summer was equally defining. It was a time of family, music, and simple joys such as climbing trees, eating freshly picked fruit, and exploring the wonders of nature. It was also the summer when our lives changed forever.
A Revival Invitation Becomes a Divine Appointment
One evening, my grandfather’s brother stopped by to invite my family to a tent revival meeting held on his son’s property. Ironically, earlier that day, Mama had been upset about coming home from work to find the kitchen left unclean. As punishment, she made my sisters attend the revival and sit in the front row. Little did she realize that the punishment was actually a divine appointment with God.
The next evening, Mama and my sisters attended the revival meeting. Near the end, my sisters went through a prayer line where elders and ministers laid hands on them in prayer. My sister Sheila, who always had a mind of her own, experienced something extraordinary. While the preacher prayed for her, the power of God, His Holy Spirit, fell upon her. She became drunk in the spirit and began to speak in unknown tongues as the spirit gave utterance. It was strange because we had never witnessed anything like it before. Although we didn’t fully understand it, we knew it was real. That night marked the beginning of a spiritual awakening.
The Accident That Changed My Life
Just weeks before my fifth birthday, I begged Mama to let me hang out with my sister and brother, Gail and Bobby. For the first time, she agreed but gave Gail strict instructions to hold my hand and keep me away from the road. Gail and I walked two houses down the street and met up with my brother and their friends. As I offered my brother a bite of my apple, I turned around and saw a black Chevy Impala swerving in and out of the road. It bypassed my sister and a neighbor standing nearby and snatched me from my sister’s hand by my neck. I was thrown into the air and landed on the pavement. My sister picked me up and moved me to the grass, away from oncoming traffic.
My other sister, Rose, ran to get Sheila, urging her to pray for me because she remembered Sheila’s recent encounter with God. When Sheila approached, a bystander said, “Baby, it’s too late to pray, she’s gone.” She ignored her and laid her hand on me and prayed a prayer of faith.
While this was happening, I was in another realm, standing in complete darkness, unafraid, and waiting. Looking back, I realize that I was in the valley of the shadow of death, but I wasn’t afraid because Jesus was with me. Meanwhile, a soft, familiar voice called my name, “Eva,” and I opened my eyes. I felt lifeless and could sense the fear around me. All I could do was cry out for my Mama. Eventually, the ambulance arrived and took me to the hospital. My spirit continued drifting in and out of my body, my spirit suspended in air as I watched Mama hold me. In simple terms, I died, but the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead raised me up again (Romans 11:8).
Another Miraculous Encounter
The next morning, as I lay on the sofa, weak and in extreme pain, four visitors stopped by. The first visitor was the man who caused the accident. Deeply remorseful, he took off his cowboy hat, placed it on his chest, and knelt beside me. Despite everything, I felt pity for him. Next, a missionary from our church arrived. She anointed my head with oil, prayed a prayer of faith, and wrapped a prayer cloth around my neck. Then, a childhood friend came, a carrot-top with freckles, whom I still adore, along with her mother. I remember so vividly, she placed a gold ring from a bubble gum machine on my finger.
Later, as the other visitors were leaving, the fourth visitor arrived. The Glory of God stood in the doorway, radiating a light brighter than the sun, which penetrated every fiber of my being. He spoke to me clearly and with authority, telling me to get up and take the rag off my neck. I obeyed, and instantly, I was made completely whole again. It was an undeniable move of God. That same day, I went outside to play, and people passing by stopped in amazement to see what God had done. Days later, doctors performed several brain scans but found no injuries. They were baffled. It was evident that God had done a complete work. Today, I still have a deep indention in my jawbone, a beautiful reminder of where He touched me.
A Legacy of Faith
That summer wasn’t just about my miracle; it was the start of something far greater. From that point on, salvation spread throughout our family and community like wildfire. We experienced a revival of souls. Many people were saved, healed, delivered, and set free by the power of the Holy Ghost. Granny’s words not only broke-up the fallow ground in Mama’s heart, but also planted a seed that would impact generations to come. Yes, Mama shouted, danced, and praised the Lord until her final rest.
The Power of a Seed
Granny may have simply been sharing her love for God, but I believe she knew exactly what she was doing. So, the next time you feel led to share your story or plant a seed of faith in someone’s life, remember Granny’s Seed Story.
