Ruth
Youngdahl Nelson, Church Woman of the Year
 Ruth Youngdahl Nelson is the picture of
the grandmother everyone could love. And yet behind those bright eyes
and broad smile was a Christian woman whose life changed the world.
Nationally known as a speaker, author, peace activist and 1973 Mother of
the Year, Nelson put her faith into practice through her writings and
her life. She ministered with her husband, the Rev. Clarence T. Nelson,
at parishes in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Chicago, Washington D.C.
and Geneva, Switzerland, often giving dialogue sermons with him. In
1960, Religious Heritage of America, Inc. named Nelson, “Church Woman of
the Year.” Dr. Joseph R. Sizoo presented her the award.
Unassuming in her impact, she said of
herself, “I am no theologian. I can only speak and write about what
Christ can do in my everyday life.” This understatement belies the life
she lived as mother of seven children (three of them foster children),
as minister, as author, as speaker, and finally as activist. Upon
publication of her last book, A Grandma’s Letters to God, she commented,
“It’s a messy situation my generation handed down to them. We’re
constantly hearing about economic disaster and, more awfully and
realistically, the threat of nuclear annihilation. Some of them are very
discouraged. What can I say to them? How can I be helpful?”
Even as she wrote the questions she lived
the answers. Ms. Nelson also served as a member of the board of
directors of Luther Seminary, St. Paul. |
