Sister Grippo, the Mormon Pioneer Woman

If I say to you, Sister Grippo, you probably won't know who she is.  She wasn't a member of the ward when you were growing up.  She isn't a prominent member of the ward now.  She's under 5' tall.  Petite.  She doesn't teach Relief Society or Primary.  She's not a public speaker.  She doesn't plan ward activities.  But she is there every week.  For the past 9 years.

Kim Grippo started coming to church with her granddaughter, Ruthie.  Ruthie is the daughter of Christine Grippo who is inactive.  Kim Grippo gained custody of Ruthie and she knew how much Ruthie loved being in Primary and she claims she wanted to raise her right, so she and her husband came with Ruthie to church each Sunday.

Last Sunday, Sister Grippo spoke in Sacrament meeting about prayer.  She told of growing up in Vietnam during the war.  She was 7 years old when her mother left home.  She and her brother had to take care of themselves.  They would eat out of dumpsters because they were starving.  Soon they were cared for by their grandmother and Sister Grippo learned how to pray.  She bore an equisite testimony of how those prayers have sustained her throughout her life.  She spoke of how much Heavenly Father was aware of a little Vietnamese girl and how He has guided her life.  She married an American, raised a family, had grandchildren and eventually was directed to the Church. Her life is full of prayer.  She has a deep faith that her prayers are heard and answered.

Her talk has filled my soul this whole week.  She said in her talk that Heavenly Father loved a little child that ate from dumpsters and cared for her during her whole life.  If He cared for Sister Grippo that much, it is stands to say, He care for us as well.  I know in my life that I have been guided.  I have been sustained and carried.  I know my prayers have been answered and I know that my life has been blessed.


After Sister Grippo's eloquent testimony, I saw this marvelous painting by Minerva Tiechert.  It shows a Mormon pioneer woman at the end of the trail, reaching the Salt Lake Valley.  After walking thousands of miles, caring for family, pulling a handcart, giving birth on the trail, burying children on the trail, she triumphantly waves her handkerchief in the Hosanna shout, praising God for sustaining her.  This woman reminded me of Sister Grippo.  An ordinary woman.  One that is full of faith; one that is humble and true.  One whose life is full of prayer and hope.