Shaping Grandkids Who'll Remember You

Ever wonder if you'll be remembered? Not just as "Grandma" or "Grandad" who gave good presents, but as someone who actually shaped lives, who passed on something worth catching?

In this honest conversation, Dave Connolly unpacks the story of Lois - an ordinary grandmother whose sincere faith rippled through three generations so powerfully that Paul wrote about it in 2 Timothy. This wasn't a perfect family with everything sorted. Eunice married outside the faith, Timothy's father was absent, and the household faced real complexities. Yet somehow, a grandmother's authentic walk with God changed everything.

Dave shares vulnerable stories including his own parenting regrets, weekly rhythms with his five grandchildren, and the powerful impact of telling 'miracle stories' about God's provision. You'll discover why sincere faith matters more than perfect parenting, how to shape grandchildren without controlling them, and practical ways to leave a legacy that outlasts you.

Journey with us through:

• [06:00] Lois, Eunice, Timothy: Three generations of sincere faith
• [12:00] What made Lois's influence last across generations
• [20:00] Legacy and intentional investment in grandchildren
• [38:00] Finding grace despite parenting failures
• [48:00] Regrets about not asking grandparents more questions
• [54:00] Why writing your story matters

[08:00] Sincere Faith That Carries You Through

Dave unpacks what Paul meant when he described Lois's "sincere faith" in 2 Timothy 1:5. This wasn't religious performance or perfect theology - it was an authentic, tested, genuine relationship with Jesus.

"Sincere faith in my experience has been the thing that carries you through life. A sincere faith. Because you're talking about a real faith, one that you have a personal saviour, personal relationship, personal walk."

What we explore:

• Why authenticity matters more than perfection in passing on faith
• How Lois influenced despite her daughter's choices
• The difference between religious routine and genuine relationship
• What it means for faith to "live" in someone

Key takeaway: Sincere faith isn't inherited like property - it's caught through relationship and example.

[16:00] Second Chances as Grandparents

With refreshing honesty, Dave shares how being a grandparent feels like getting a second go at things you feel you did poorly as a parent.

"If I said to men, write down all the things you do really well as a dad, you could give them a large stamp and there'd still be space on it. But if I said what you do really poorly, you could give them a roll of wallpaper."

Real talk about:

• Carrying guilt about past parenting failures
• Why grandchildren are God's blessing, not replacements
• How finding grace changes everything
• The privilege of investing in the next generation

Key takeaway: Don't concentrate on your failures - address them, ask God to strengthen you, and move forward with grace.

[22:00] Miracle Stories and Tea Time Traditions

Dave shares how he and his wife Julie deliberately tell their grandchildren what they call "miracle stories" - real encounters with God's faithfulness over the years.

"They love these stories. They want to know more and more and more. Not fairy tales or Joe Bloggs' story, but things, God encounters that Julie and I have had with God over the years."

Practical ideas:

• Weekly "one good, one bad" at tea time to create space for prayer
• Telling the same stories repeatedly - children need repetition
• Creating simple traditions like throwing stones in water
• Letting grandchildren experience joy without overthinking safety

Key takeaway: Share your real stories of God's provision - these give grandchildren a framework for understanding their own lives when challenges come.

[38:00] Finding Grace Despite Broken Beginnings

Dave vulnerably shares his own story of growing up with absent parents, sofa-surfing from a young age, and how becoming a Christian changed everything.

"As I became a Christian, somehow in God, I found so much more grace for them. Without finding that grace, I don't believe we could have been part of leading them to the Lord."

Hope for:

• Those carrying wounds from imperfect parents or grandparents
• Understanding that honouring doesn't mean ignoring harm
• How God's grace enables restoration
• Breaking cycles through authentic faith

Key takeaway: Even imperfect, broken people can pass on sincere faith when they encounter God's transforming grace.

[48:00] Regrets We All Carry

The conversation turned to a universal regret - not asking grandparents more questions whilst we had the chance.

"If I could go back in time and do something different, what would you do? I'd talk to my Nan and just get her stories from her." - Matt Edmundson

For everyone:

• Why we didn't ask when we were younger
• The importance of recording stories now
• How Sharon's grandmother wrote "Lost and Found" about her life
• Making time to honour grandparents whilst you still can

Key takeaway: Don't wait. If you still have grandparents, ask the questions now. If you are a grandparent, write your story - even if just for your grandchildren.

[50:00] Different Grandparents, Same Love

Jan shares how her mum and mother-in-law bring completely different gifts to grandparenting - one more cuddly, the other doing baking and historical trips. Both create brilliant memories.

"They're unique. Those grandparents aren't in competition. We just want to love and love freely." - Dave Connolly

Wisdom about:

• Why comparison kills joy in grandparenting
• How Dave works alongside his daughter's father-in-law (who isn't a Christian)
• Teaching grandchildren through bonfire night traditions
• Complementing rather than competing with other grandparents

Key takeaway: Your unique contribution matters without diminishing what other grandparents bring.