What the Women Who Raised Us Taught Us About Rest

Growing up, I didn’t always realize I was being handed a legacy. But now, I see it clearly: the women who came before me were preaching powerful sermons—not from pulpits, but from front porches, summer living rooms, and quiet country kitchens. And their message? Rest is sacred.

At my Great Grandma Rena’s funeral, one of her granddaughters, my dear Cousin Lelar, shared a story that’s stayed with me ever since. She shared how, every summer, Grandma Rena would host her grandchildren—my dad’s generation—when they came down from the city to spend time in the country. Listening to my dad’s stories about those summers, they were having the time of their lives, running free and playing from sun-up to sun-down (after some chores, of course). But no matter how much fun they were having, Grandma Rena would make them stop for at least 30 minutes a day and just sit down. For no reason at all. No talking. Just be still and be quiet. Looking back, what a powerful lesson that was—teaching them (and later me) how to balance work, play, and rest.

With Great-Grandma Rena and my Cousin Lonia circa 1986.

One of her other granddaughters—my Aunt Wanda—carried that lesson into our generation. When my cousins and I stayed with her during the summers, she absolutely made us lay down for an hour each afternoon. We rarely slept, but that wasn’t the point. We were quiet. We were still. And now, I realize: we were being shaped.

I share one more story from a dear friend’s grandma here: Catch me telling the funny story on video (2 of 3). Or here’s the link to all 3 videos on YouTube. (Less than 10 minutes total.)

Looking back, I am deeply grateful. These women modeled for us how to create lives with margin, with rhythm, with room for our own well-being. They didn’t call it “Sabbath” or “self-care.” But that’s exactly what it was.

They taught us:

• That stillness is a discipline.
• That quiet is a teacher.
• That it’s okay—necessary, even—to set boundaries for your own sanity.

And now it’s our turn.

Let’s carry this legacy forward. Let’s make rest normal. Let’s give our kids (or other kids we help nurture ) naps and quiet time, not just because they need it, but because we do. Let’s not apologize for the boundaries we set. And let’s remember the deep wisdom of the women who didn’t wait for the world to slow down to find peace—they created their own.

May we be the women who honor their teachings on rest by reclaiming our own!

Now, I’m DYING to know….

What did the women who raised you teach you about resting? How did they model it?

Reply and tell me all about it. I cannot wait to hear your stories.

With love and joy!
-Rev. Arionne

“She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” – Proverbs 31:26

P.S. Ready to embrace rest that actually restores you? Join my newsletter for weekly encouragement, tips, and tools to make Sabbath simple and life-giving. 💛 SIGN UP HERE!

​