'Bless My Grandchild': Interview with Author Julie Cragon

Ellen Mongan shares a podcast interview with Julie Cragon, author of 'Bless My Grandchild.'

Being a grandparent is a grand adventure. One of God’s richest blessings is to see your children’s children.

Children’s children are the crown of the elderly, and the glory of children is their parentage. (Proverbs 17:6)

Ask any grandma or grandpa what that means, and the answer can be seen in the smile on their face when they are with their grandchildren. Being a part of your children children’s lives brings joy to their souls. Proverbs 16:31 reminds us, "gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by a life that is just."

What is the best gift you can give your grandchildren?

The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. (James 5:16b)

Julie Cragon knows that is true. What did she do? She wrote a book of prayers just for grandmas. It is titled Bless My Grandchild. This collection of prayers written from the heart is blessing for all. Grandmothers will want to use this book as a daily prayer offering for your loved ones.

It is never too soon or too late, to pray for a grandchild -- even while they grow in their mother’s womb. Grandma you are their intercessor holding them up before the throne of God. Your prayers will be a gift that your grandchild will treasure all through their lives. "Bless my grandchild" is the cry of every grandma’s heart.

I was given the privilege of interviewing Julie Cragon, author of Bless My Grandchild. My co-host Jane Ann Bonbrake and I not only enjoyed meeting Julie but would like to share the podcast with you. I hope you feel as we did, that you have known her all your life.

Julie Cragon is a prayerful woman of faith who writes from her heart. She has put her collection of prayers together in such a beautiful way that benefits any grandparent. Whether you are women of seasoned prayer or a beginner in the faith, this book will be an asset to your prayer life.

I love the book Bless My Grandchild. Julie has written a prayer for almost everything your grandchild faces. She puts into words what your heart is longing to say. There are times in our lives that words do not come. When a grandchild is born with a health problem, or the death of a grandchild, we are at a loss for words. In the Catholic faith, we have rote prayers to see us through the dry or tough times. Julie has included these in her book as well. Julie has also included a hidden treasure within her book, a little bit about a saint at the end of each chapter. You will have to read this book all the way to the end to discover an extra bonus: a section on favorite Catholic prayers, novena, the Stations of the Cross, and of course the Rosary.

A grandma is a person who knows how it is to walk in the high heels of motherhood because they already journeyed that path. They try to be there for their children, ready to help with virtue as a guard over their lips and grace as their shield. This grace only comes from seeking God’s face in prayer and frequenting the sacraments. Grandmothers who take Mary as their model are the best grandparents of all. Mary always had a prayerful heart and an eye upon her Son. She was ever close to Him, even at the end, praying at the foot of Jesus’ Cross. Mary always points others to her Son, Jesus.

Julie Cragon’s book, Bless My Grandchild, also points you to Jesus. It is a must-have for all grandparents. Are you a praying grandma?

Pope Francis said, “I would like to greet all grandmothers and grandfathers, thanking them for their valuable presence in families and for the new generations.”

It is never too soon or too late to pray for a grandchild. #catholicmom

Copyright 2020 Ellen Mongan