I wrote these remarks for Mary's 100th birthday this past October...

Grandma Mary, in reaching this milestone, you have achieved what many do not. We are studying Genesis on Sunday mornings at our church, and recently, we looked at the genealogy in chapter 5… in which we noted the long lives of the early generations—they all lived into their hundred. Well, Grandma, you’ve at least attained triple digits—a downright biblical turn of events. In fact, as you are I are almost exactly 50 years apart, I’ve long anticipated your becoming 100, because that would mean that I’m fifty. I've been reminded yearly of this approaching milestone when you call and leave me a birthday message every October.

I’ve known you since I became engaged to your granddaughter. At the time I met you, you lived in El Cajon, with Deanna’s grandpa Joe, or Sandy, as he was also called. After Deanna and I married, you always treated me like a grandson (except maybe for the one time I called you, and you didn’t know who I was…)

I immediately recognized we had a lot in common—other than the month of our birth. You listened to Bible teachers on the radio that I greatly admired. You had books at your house that I loved to read…. And in fact, many of them made their way to my house—with your permission, of course.

When I think of you, Grandma Mary, my mind goes to the biblical... and not just because you’ve reached an age reserved for Bible characters!

For some reason, when I think of you, I think of the woman called Deborah in the book of Judges.

In the book of Judges, there are  special people God raises up whenever Israel would get out of line, worshipping idols, etc. The Lord would discipline them by allowing a foreign power to invade and make their lives difficult… and when they would repent and cry out to Him for help, He would appoint an individual to deliver them from their situation; either militarily or by assisting them with wise counsel. These God-appointed people were called judges. Most of them were deeply flawed. Samson was a womanizer; Gideon was a coward; Jephthah was hasty…

But there is a handful of which nothing bad is said. And one of them happens to a woman… in fact, she's the only female judge in the whole book. Her name is Deborah.

Judges 4:4-5 reads: '4) Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5) She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment.'

From this short passage, here’s what we about Deborah:

• It says she’s a prophetess. In that day, this meant that God gave her special revelation. Spoke to her directly. Today, we have His complete, revealed Word. Whenever we read and declare what God’s Word says, we are acting in a prophetic way… And I can think of many times when you have not hesitated to talk about the Word of God, remind us of what it says. In that way, you are a prophetess!

• This says Deborah was married to a man named Lappidoth (v.4). Culturally, that means she lived with respect toward her husband, and even though she had public authority, her role as a wife would have included domestic responsibilities. By all accounts, Mary, you honored your husband, Sandy, while he was alive, and no one would ever dispute the exemplary fashion in which you ran your home. I witnessed your domestic prowess at many a Sunday meal!

• We read that Deborah governs the people (v. 4). God has raised her up specifically to come to Israel’s aid. Her responsibilities include a form of leadership and oversight of the people. I sense this same spirit in you— a watchfulness, an observance of what goes on… and a concern that people make wise choices—whether behaving in a moral manner… or abstaining from sugar!  

• We read that Deborah functions judicially (v. 5). In Deborah’s case, the term “judge” involves making decisions, resolving difficult situations. Apparently, there’s a known place Deborah may be found; it even bears her name (“the palm of Deborah”). The people approach her there for her wisdom and decisiveness. Palms are associated with prosperity (Psalm 92:12) and leadership (Isaiah 9:14).

Grandma Mary, you are wise…

Psalm 90:1: "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

In 100 years, one can accumulate a lot of wisdom! Over the years, I’ve marveled that people would come to see you, from all over. You take the time to write letters, and your letters are filled with what you have gleaned in your lifetime. There’s so much. And as in the case of Deborah, everyone knows where to find you. You had your own familiar “palm tree location,” back in California. When we need wisdom, we always know where to find you.

• In Judges 5, we see that Deborah is a worshipper. After God delivers the Israelites from their oppressors, there’s an extensive song of praise that takes up an entire chapter. Grandma, we know how you love to worship the Lord, and how important music is to you.

In short, you may have made it to 2023, but you’re a throwback in the best possible, and the kind of woman God wrote about in His Word. We love you. Happy Birthday.

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And now, we celebrate your entrance into heaven, and we look forward to seeing you again!