A Call From Above: A Renewed Spiritual Connection: – An Interview

A Conversation Across the Years 

I conducted this interview via a conference call between 83-year-old Aunt Nora and her 59-year-old niece Deborah. There’s something sacred about the wisdom of the elders, and something restless yet hopeful in the younger generation’s pace. This conversation, caught between an old rotary-style warmth and a fast-tapping digital world, captures two women bonded by blood yet split by time.

Aunt Nora, rooted in scripture and slow, steadfast living, and her niece Deborah, seasoned by decades of hustle, convenience, and cultural shifts. It’s raw, it’s real—and it’s a reminder of what we carry forward, and what we risk leaving behind. And the glaring differences between individuals who are rooted in the Word, and love of Christ, and adhere to His commandments with reverence and obedience. Versus those who are either luke-warm in their beliefs or have none at all. The priorities make the difference in the intricacies of life overall. Auntie Nora still has a red rotary phone as her land line.  But gave in to modern technology with a cell phone for safety and practical purposes.

Hope you will enjoy this interview as much as I enjoyed putting it together to bring to the readers. It was a pleasure and an honor to get the opportunity to do this. Without further preamble, here we go…

NORA: Now child, before we begin, let me read this to anchor our words today— “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” —Proverbs 3:5–6

CD: That’s lovely. One of my favorite verses in Proverbs. Thank you for that opening. Now -Auntie Nora, tell me about the world when you were growing up. What mattered most?

NORA: Oh, honey, the world was quiet then. We rose with the sun, not an alarm clock, and the first words out our mouths were prayers, not texts. We honored our elders, saluted the flag every morning with our hands over our hearts, and we dressed up for Sunday church like we were going to see the Lord face to face—which we were, and we held Him in our hearts.

We didn’t have television preachers, child—we had folks with Bibles so worn the pages felt like cloth. And when you walked into church, you didn’t bring your coffee cup or your phone—you brought your heart!

CD:  I can relate to that completely as I’m sure many will. That’s beautiful.  Share with us if you will -How did you get your information back then?

NORA: The library. That was our Google. I’d walk two miles, uphill both ways sometimes, just to read old encyclopedias. I read about Rome and poetry, but nothing stirred me like the Word of God. And you know what? We actually talked to each other. Front porch conversations, not comment sections. Real intimate everyday talk about family, life, God – plans, etc.

DEBORAH: Aunt Nora, I admire all that… but life’s does not slow like that anymore. I mean, I work full time, got two grown kids still depending on me, and it feels like I’m always rushing. There are never enough hours in the day to sit still, let alone walk to a library. Who would want to anyhow? I can’t believe they still exist! Too busy for reading, and although I believe in God – I don’t have time.

NORA: But baby, when did God get removed from the schedule?

DEBORAH: I mean…  like I just said, Auntie- You know I believe. I pray when I remember to. I thank Him when things go right. But I guess I don’t… lean on Him like you do. I rely on myself. I always have. It’s me having to do most of the work.

NORA: And how’s that working out for you, sweet pea?

DEBORAH: laughs softly. Tired, mostly. Aching in places that coffee can’t fix. I don’t get the peace you talk about. I want it, though. I see it in your eyes your smile, and your spirit is free.

NORA: You can have it. Peace is not in a lifestyle; it’s in the Lord. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” said Jesus in Matthew 11:28. Now that’s a promise that Starbucks can’t brew.

CD: That is so true -Starbucks can’t brew that!  Love it!  Auntie, what about the country today? What are your thoughts of the world today? Do you think there’s still hope?

NORA: Oh child, I pray for this country every day. I may not agree with everything the President does, but I respect the office. You see, respect isn’t about agreement—it’s about honor. We’ve lost that. But as long as there are folks still praying, there is still a flicker of light. Still hope. The current one in office seems to have a heart for the LORD, and mentions Him in most of his speeches, and He is really trying. I see that. We need to always pray for those in office, no matter our political preferences.

I’ve seen dark times—wars, illnesses, segregation, heart surgeries, funerals for friends I’ve known since elementary school. I’ve walked through valleys… but I was never alone. Not once. Not once did I fear, cause “there is no fear in love” and God is with me throughout and never leaves me nor forsakes me!  Never.

DEBORAH: That… that hits different. You’ve been through so much, and I feel like I crumble over traffic or missed emails. Or if I miss a viral video…seems all like useless fluff when I hear you speak Auntie and feel your spirit and love for God.

NORA: Oh baby. You are distracted because of the enemy. Because the enemy’s clever, baby. He doesn’t always bring swords—he brings distractions and chaos. But let me remind you what David said: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25. Remember that when you believe, and take time for HIM before anything else – it makes a difference.

CD: Auntie Nora, what keeps you going full force at 83? You seem like you’re a young lady barely out of her 40’s.

NORA: Jesus. And laughter. And sugarless gum. (laughs) But truly, the joy of the Lord is my strength. I keep my eyes lifted, my knees bent in prayer, and my hands busy. I may be old, but my spirit’s still young and my prayers still powerful. Andmy LORD has been with me since He knitted me in my good momma’s womb, and still with me with my gray hair, waning eyesight, and loss of hearing! He promised He’d never leave me, and He never has.

DEBORAH: Can I ask you something, Auntie?

NORA: Anything, darling. Go for it.

DEBORAH: I’ve never asked you this before. Somehow right this moment, something has overcome me. I feel strange, like something opened up to me, hearing you during this interview.  I feel I need and want to ask you this…Will you pray for me? Like, really pray. I think I want to come to that place you live from—where God isn’t an afterthought. Where He is real…and with me.

NORA: (A long pause – and a sniffle) – Oh baby, I already do. But yes, let’s pray together right now. Right this moment. Camille, will you join me in this prayer?

CD: Of course.

NORA: Heavenly Father, We come before You as two generations, knit by blood and Your mercy. One weary, one weathered, but both still loved. Thank You for Deborah’s heart, tender and searching. Light a fire in her, Lord. Light a fire, please LORD – Let her know that it’s never too late to come home. Bless this nation—bless President Trump and family, Vice President Vance and his young family, heal our land, restore reverence, and guide our leaders. Let there be kindness in our streets, truth in our homes, and Christ in our hearts. And when our days grow dim, may we be found faithful. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

DEBORAH: (voice trembling) Aunt Nora… I—I don’t know what just happened, but something inside me cracked wide open. That prayer… it felt like you were reaching into places I’ve kept shut for so long. (sniffles softly) I’ve been running so hard, thinking I had to hold everything up on my own. But listening to you just now… it’s like I remembered who I was before the world got so loud. Thank you. I feel… lighter. Like maybe it’s not too late for me to live slower, and love God deeper. It’s like He reached into my heart through this interview. Like He called me personally…Like this call was for me!  Maybe that was why we agreed to do this interview? Like this was my personal call from God above – calling me directly while  guiding me back on path!

NORA: Yes! Yes! Amen! That’s what He does!  – Praise You LORD and Amen!  He is always with us and always has a reason for everything. Oh baby… He’s been waiting on you, not the other way around. Ain’t no shame in coming home. Just joy. Your Father is so happy to hear this admission of yours. And He just opened His arms a little wider. Welcome home!  And please know -that your Auntie -well I’m right here—always.

CD: I don’t quite have the words, but… thank you… both of you. That was a touching interview, and the Holy Spirit was moving freely. Wow! What an honor to be part of this. Nora, your wisdom and faith have poured out like a blessing, and Deborah, your honesty was a gift from above. This wasn’t just an interview—it was a moment. A meeting place between generations, and a reminder that the Spirit can still stir hearts through the crackle of a phone line. And I know He dialed you directly! For sure! A hot line straight from above.

NORA and Deborah: Amen!

CD: “LORD -Thank You for sacred conversations that cross years and heartaches, miles and mindsets. Thank You for Aunt Nora’s unwavering faith—her testimony of steadfast hope in You. And thank You for Deborah’s open heart, a heart You are softening and called home. Bless them both—one who’s walked with You for decades, and one who’s ready and eager to return. Let their bond be a light to others. Let this moment echo in quiet hearts searching for rest. We give You the glory, LORD, for weaving something eternal into the threads of this simple call. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.”

I wish the best to Deborah and her renewed resurgence in the LORD – and I wish the best to Nora for her wisdom and candor and ability to love the LORD as He is supposed to be loved. God Bless them both~

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” —Numbers 6:24–26

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” —Ecclesiastes 12:13