Dorothy Nell Roberts Lifestyle Portraits

Let the Life I Live Speak For Me…

Christopher – this is one of my grandmothers. Talk about one of my biggest inspirations, a strong supporter and encourager, and a beautiful spirit that has been, and still is, a light for many people on this earth. I love my grandmother so much – she is the sweetest person I’ve ever known. My aunt Sharon gives us some deep insight into this great woman. Read more below.

DOROTHY: Greek- meaning Gift of God    NELL: English –meaning Light
A Daughter – embarked on her journey in the year 1935 as sibling # 6 of 19 on the “old home place” called Smithland. She was diligent in her educational studies as a child all while accepting the burdens of hard labor both inside and outside the home.

A Wife (widow) – hands strengthened by the toils of the washboard, sculpted by the burs of the cotton, painted by the dust of the pea fields. Not to forget the discipline of the hammer and nail as she explored her carpentry skills.

A Mother – yet they were softened by infinite love as they folded to pray for & wipe the tears of 10 of 11 children (1 died at birth), helped raise and provide for 55 Grandchildren, 58 Great-Grandchildren, 4 Great-Great Grandchildren, plus an unlimited amount of neighborhood kids/adults…. She would always say, “What little I’ve got, you’re welcome to it.”

A Friend & Child of God – The happy memories of childhood friends, funny moments with siblings, the sadness of losing some to death, hardships of work for daily survival all replay fresh in her mind today. Yet the promise of God in Rev 21:4/Rev 22:14 is strongly believed – “And God shall wipe away all tears….there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying…..” “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

So every since the year of 1959 she has kept “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;”(Heb 12:2)- holding “that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev 3:11) – Sharing the gift of life with all she meets. Faithful Monday evening nursing homes visits for 30+ years, the stranger made welcome anytime to a seat in her parlor without fear of having to recompense. Always trying to care for and visit the sick and needy, helping ‘her neighbor (anyone anywhere at anytime suffering need, enslaved by wrong habits, in distress).

A true example of Matthew 5:2-12 in action. “Let the life I live- speak for me.” Makes you think more on the meaning of her name, right?

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