The apostle Paul reminds us that even one parent or grandparent can have great influence on a family.

Timothy had the benefit of being taught the faith of God by his mother and grandmother. Paul reminded him, "I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also" (2 Timothy 1:5).

Notice that only these two female caregivers are praised and acknowledged for the excellent example they provided at home to young Timothy.

His father was a gentile and not a believer in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:1-3). Yet, beginning with Timothy's grandmother Lois, and then on to his mother Eunice, they were able to make a difference in teaching Timothy as a boy, after which he would grow up to be one of the early ministers of the Church and a faithful companion and coworker alongside Paul.

This was achieved in spite of the negative influences of living in a gentile nation and in a home with an unbeliever. The positive choices Lois made certainly benefited her descendants.