Scripture has always been a part of my life. My dad was a

Hear the voice of Gloria Gaither, who spoke not of fame or wealth, but of roots planted deep in faith: “Scripture has always been a part of my life. My dad was a pastor. My mother was a speaker, writer, and teacher. I memorized Scripture from the time I was little.” In these words lies a testimony of formation, of inheritance, of how the words of the eternal become the foundation stones of a soul when planted in the tender years of childhood.

She begins with Scripture, the sacred text that has guided countless generations. It was not an occasional presence in her life, not a book upon the shelf, but the rhythm of her days, the melody of her childhood, the soil in which her character grew. From the earliest memory, she drank from this living well, so that faith was not an idea to be adopted later, but a constant stream shaping her from the start.

Her father, a pastor, stands in her memory as shepherd and guide, one who taught through word and example. A pastor’s role is not only to preach but to live the sermon with every step, and such witness leaves an indelible mark upon a child. Her mother, a speaker, writer, and teacher, added her own gifts to the household—words crafted, wisdom spoken, lessons imparted with grace. Together they formed an atmosphere where the holy and the ordinary mingled, where the sacred text was not only recited but lived.

From this soil grew the discipline of memorization, the storing of sacred words in the heart. To a child, memorizing may seem mere exercise, but in truth it is the planting of seeds. For in later years, when storms arise, when doubts trouble, when grief and joy mingle, those words rise unbidden, offering light in darkness and comfort in sorrow. This is why so many saints and sages have urged the young to take the words of wisdom into their hearts early—for what is sown in childhood will yield fruit in maturity.

History gives us examples of this truth. Timothy, the disciple of the Apostle Paul, was praised in Scripture for having known the sacred writings “from infancy,” taught to him by his mother and grandmother. These early lessons made him strong for the work of the gospel. So it was with Gaither, who, by the nurture of her parents, found that Scripture was not only words upon a page, but a living presence guiding her own path as a writer, speaker, and singer of truth.

The meaning of her words is therefore both simple and profound: that what we surround children with in their earliest years becomes the framework of their lives. If we give them wisdom, beauty, and faith, they will carry it always. If we neglect to plant seeds of truth, the world will sow weeds instead. Gloria Gaither’s testimony is not only about her own upbringing, but a call to all who raise, teach, or influence the young: give them what endures, and it will steady them through all of life.

The lesson for us is clear: immerse yourself and your children in words that give life. Whether it is sacred Scripture, or the wisdom of great thinkers, or the beauty of poetry, fill your home with voices that speak truth and hope. Teach not only by instruction, but by example, as Gaither’s parents did. And above all, begin early, for the mind and heart of a child are fertile ground where seeds of wisdom may grow into mighty trees.

So let Gloria Gaither’s words endure: “Scripture has always been a part of my life… I memorized it from the time I was little.” May we learn from her that the daily shaping of the heart with truth is no small matter, but a lifelong inheritance. Plant the words of life within yourself, within your children, within your community, and you will find that in every season—joy or sorrow, light or darkness—they will rise within you as an unfailing guide.