John Sparks, my great-grandfather, died suddenly in December 1907 due to a sawmill accident. His wife, Mollie, was in the midst of preparing Christmas gifts when she received the news. Her five children gathered in the kitchen, where they learned that their father would not be coming home.
In an instant, the joy of the holiday season turned into despair and dread. As Mollie held her youngest child, a newborn, she prayed for God’s guidance through the difficult days ahead.
My grandmother, Mollie’s daughter, shared a story about her first Christmas after her father passed away when she was just ten years old.
It was cold in the Tennessee hills, with the wind howling and snow gently falling to cover the ground. As Nancy watched the snowflakes descend from the sky, she wondered if her daddy had sent them from heaven.
“Mama pulled her handmade quilts out of the closet to block the drafts that were determined to seep through the many cracks in our floor. We huddled together to stay warm as Mama told us stories to help ease our grief,” Nancy recounted.
On Christmas Eve, Mollie tucked her children into bed and gently laid the baby in the cradle John had built. She rocked the cradle back and forth, lulling the child into a peaceful sleep. Once everything was quiet, she walked to the kitchen and started a fire in the stove. She had enough cinnamon and sugar to turn her biscuits into cinnamon rolls, which would be a delightful surprise for the children on Christmas morning.
Next, she took five of her husband’s old socks and placed a peppermint stick in each one. That was all she could afford, but she was determined to celebrate the birth of the Lord. Mollie set aside her sorrows to bow to the King of Kings and felt grateful for the little she had.
My grandmother recalled, “On Christmas morning, we woke up with no expectations. However, as soon as we caught the delicious aroma of cinnamon, we all jumped out of bed and raced to the kitchen. Mama was smiling as she pulled a pan of freshly baked sweet rolls from the oven. When we spotted Daddy’s socks filled with peppermint sticks, I knew that Santa—or perhaps angels—had visited our old house on the corner. We squealed with delight!”
The baby would not remember the winter of 1907 or know her father. However, for Nancy, the memory of that difficult Christmas never dimmed. The baby would need to see those days through her sister’s eyes.
Before my grandmother passed away in 1994, she always kept peppermint sticks in her candy jar. Every time I see the red-and-white-striped confection, I am reminded of the story of a Christmas when all that remained was a woman’s faith.
I have always heard about the strength of Appalachian women. However, upon reflection, I realize it may not have been strength alone that carried Mollie and her children through life, but rather her love for her family and her faith in the Lord. That unwavering love was passed down through the children she raised.
Mollie Sparks was a small woman, standing at less than five feet tall and weighing under a hundred pounds, yet she was powerful.
She was mighty enough to endure all the bitter winds that blew into her life. She appreciated even the tiniest blessings, encouraging others to find gratitude in their own lives, especially during difficult times.
Mollie passed away on a cold December day in 1970 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of faith and love that continues to inspire us all.
Even when life feels impossible, and sorrow overshadows hope, we can still find joy because Christ was born—and that happiness doesn’t cost a dime.
During the holidays, we often get caught up in material matters: parties, online shopping, credit cards, and the hustle and bustle. This whirlwind can distract us, causing us to lose our focus and, at times, our sense of joy.
I am always humbled by the memory of Mollie. She was a steadfast and humble servant of God who never allowed money or power to diminish her, as they do so many others. Her strength came from her heart, and her determination stemmed from her unyielding spirit.
My grandmother taught me that appreciating the past can help us value the future. The stories she shared about the hardships and tragedies her family endured did not leave her resentful of those times. Because Mollie relied on her faith, the family knew that God was always with them, providing peace and hope.
The spirit present in all of Mollie’s children lasted throughout their lives and has been passed down to me. What a mighty gift.
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Lynn Walker Gendusa began her writing career as a columnist for the LaGrange News. Today, her essays are featured regularly throughout Georgia and Tennessee. Her work also appears in Guidepost, USA Today, The Atlanta Journal, MSN.com, among others. Lynn has authored two books; the latest, “Southern Comfort,” was published in 2022. She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com. For more of her inspirational stories, click here.
