The Ugliest Old Lady Who Had Great Influence

Aunt Jane Prestige grew up in Texas a long time ago during the reconstruction period of our nation's history. She married at an early age and had two children. Her husband died early in their marriage leaving her with the two children and a lot of work to do. She literally built their home. She split the rail, placed logs and lumber into place, painted, cooked, maintained the yard, took care of the animals. My friend Chaplain (Lt Col) John H. Brown said she had one and half teeth and they didn't meet. Because of what she did to keep her family going, everyone respected Aunt (as they say in Texas "Aint") Jane. It always seemed to take a long time to walk in front of her house. If you asked as question such as "Think it will rain Aunt Jane?" Her reply was straight to the point. "Your thinker is as good as mine, what do you think?"

Chaplain Brown said she preached the greatest sermon he ever heard and she preached it on her front porch. She said: "John, I've seen happy days and I've seen sorrowful days, but through it all, I can say blessed be the name of the Lord." My guess is that she didn't give that thought much attention, but it was incredibly moving to Chaplain Brown. Without her knowing it or having any idea that this was meaningful to someone, that message has been preached in Army chapels around the world. It has been preached on ships at sea and on the battlefields of Korea. It has been a message that has touched soldiers, sailors, marines, and civilians in the United States and Europe. I continue to share the story and some of those who hear me will continue the legacy.

You don't have to have a college education, be a commercial Christian songwriter, a professor, or a minister to have a message. Sometimes the great messages come from unexpected places. That makes listening very important.