A Woman reflecting the Beauty of Peace: A Message in Honor of Winifred (Grandma) Smith

My grandma Smith was named Winifred (her first name was Mabel, but she was always called by her middle name, Winifred, usually contracted to "Winnie" ). She is the only person I know named Winifred, however, in 1914, the year she was born, it was the 150th most common female name in the United States. Given the commonness of other spellings and derivatives (Wina, Winafred, Winefred, Winefride, Winefried, Winfreda, Winfrieda, Winifryd, Winne, Winnie, Winnifred, Wynafred, Wynifred, Wynn, Wynne, Wynnifred, and also Freda, Frieda – see website – Winifred at thinkbabynames.com) the name might be considered even more common. Winifred remained popular from the early 1900's through the 1930's, but fell out of widespread use by the 1950's.

Winifred is derived from the Old English name (by way of Welsh) Guinevere (from which we also get names like Jennifer, which seems to have replaced Winifred in usage). It comes from the roots gwen meaning white, lovely, blessed or joyful and fred meaning peace or reconciled. The name means "loveliness of peace," "joy of peace," or the "beauty of peace"

1914 was not only the year of grandma's birth, it also was the year the wars and senseless bloodshed that characterized the 20th century started (150 million senselessly killed). The world of grandma's 95 years was marked by the absence of peace, not just in the bloodshed of war, but in the disintegration of peaceful family life and the development of widespread psychological dis-ease. In the century of war and bloodshed my grandmother's name is a reminder of the beauty of peace.

In considering my grandma Smith's reputation and legacy I believe that she did live up to and honor the meaning of her name. I believe that she did model peace and enhance peace in the lives of others. Here are eight (8) characteristics of my grandma that I believe made her a blessing of peace to us and others.

W -ork

Grandma Smith was a hard worker and had a mentality of taking responsibility to provide for herself, her family and to have something to share with others. She worked tirelessly and without complaint because she saw it as her calling in life. Grandma and Grandpa had relatively poor paying jobs, yet, because of their frugal mentality and practice, they never owed money and still had enough to give generously to others. Peace is enhanced when people have the mindset of work and don't expect to be served.

I -nterest

Grandma Smith was selfless, showing great concern for others. She had time to listen to others, asked questions and expressed genuine concern for their interests. She helped others feel important by taking interest in them and caring for them. Peace is enhanced when people take interest in those outside of their own interests, or better yet make other's interests their own.

N -obility

Grandma Smith had no royal privileges, but she conducted herself as if the entire 'kingdom' would be influenced by her example. She lived with a mindset that doing what was right and what was needed was a predetermined commitment. She did not take the 'easy road' of making excuses, but sought to take on responsibility and demonstrate by example how to life. Peace is enhanced when people act on the basis of principle and not their own conveniences.

I -ntelligence

Grandma Smith was intelligent and sought to constantly expand her knowledge. While love Is mysterious and inscrutable, I think it likely there was a deep bond of intellects between grandpa and grandma. She read books and loved when grandpa read books to her. Her home was full of puzzles, riddles and academic challenges. Grandma and grandpa loved history, especially of the U.S. and Ohio and mastered the geography of our country and the state of Ohio. She loved classical music because it challenged her mind to understand how it worked. She often talked to me about Beethoven's mastery of music as a science and how was made up of small interdependent pieces that were worthy of study in themselves but also fit perfectly together as a great puzzle. This reflected her view of life and her quest to enjoy each individual part of life but also to try to see how the pieces fit together. Peace is enhanced when we believe and seek to understand how God fits all of life together in a grand scheme reflecting His glory.

F -aith

Grandma Smith trusted in God and His son Jesus Christ because she knew that what we need most we cannot do for ourselves. Personal peace does not come naturally or easily. It requires trust in something beyond what we can control. God alone is capable of providing peace because He alone is all-powerful and all-wise to accomplish what we are powerless to do. God, through Jesus Christ, reconciles sinners to peace with Himself, themselves and with others. Peace is enhanced when we believe that God is sufficient to accomplish what is most needed and do not think we can do it on our own. Peace comes when we rest in confidence that God is strong and that He is good.

R -edemption

Grandma Smith knew and testified that we must be redeemed from a life of rebellion and animosity toward God and His law. We are all sinners by nature and by practice and deserve judgment and banishment from his kingdom. God has made peace by paying the price for sin by His Son Jesus Christ who lived a perfect life of dependence and obedience and who died a death of judgment in the place of all who trust in Him. Peace is made and enhanced by God's purchase of ruined sinners through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – He himself is our peace.

E -ncouragement

Grandma Smith was an educator and an encourager. She sought to build up others in their own knowledge and skills. She and grandpa reached out to young people through the years and included them in their family life and trips. She regularly took young people to church and encouraged them to learn verses and put the Lord first. She regularly sent cards with verses and messages of encouragement. Peace is enhanced when we seek to lead others out into a life of courage and responsibility.

D -evotion

Grandma Smith was faithful and devoted to her husband, her family and her duties. She did not quit. She did not complain. She didn't seem to understand those who did. She did not take a long time to ponder the benefits and costs of individual sacrifices, but counted herself as a "maidservant" given the privilege of serving and being a benefit to others. Peace is enhanced when people consider themselves as more blessed than they deserve and consider service and faithfulness a privilege.

May we all seek to honor "Winifred" by modeling the same kind of virtues in ourselves and in others.