Smoky Mountain Legacy, written by Anna Logsdon Childs, Sarah B. Logsdon, and Kathy A. Wittman, is a collection of poems inspired by the profound Christian heritage passed down by my Appalachian ancestors.  My great-grandmother, Nancy Jane King, known by her loved ones as Grandma, was not tall in stature; yet her subtly powerful character revealed itself in countless ways to all of the people she encountered during her long, yet uneventful life.  
 
Grandma’s inner strength was evident to all of her family members.  As a little girl, I can recall her taking time to talk with me, as she sewed dresses and quilts for my dolls.  Even then I could intuitively sense that she and I were kindred spirits: strong-willed, independent, and determined to transcend our mundane surroundings.  Later, as a young woman, I decided to explore the mysteries of her attitude of calm acceptance.  I envision her now, as she often contemplated the beauty of the hills surrounding her, while reading this familiar hymn of praise:
            
“I lift up my eyes to the hills –
            where does my help come from?
            My help comes from the Lord
            the Maker of heaven and earth.”