Perhaps, it is Lady Thatcher’s wish to see that her two only grandchildren Michael Thatcher and Amanda Thatcher, whom she greatly delighted in, can inherit her legacy in making a difference in the world that she choose her granddaughter to led the Scripture reading.
Margaret Thatcher was a woman characterized by her convictions and polarizing opinions that were reflected her political decisions. In her funeral ceremony, she requested no eulogies – only hymns she loved from her Methodist upbringing, readings of Scripture by her granddaughter and David Cameron, and the address by Chartres, who spoke of the fond memories with the ‘Iron Lady.’
Thatcher had said at various occasions how without principles and biblical foundation one cannot fulfill his personal responsibilities to his parents, his children and to his God.
Lady Thatcher chose the Scripture readings before her death and requested that her granddaughter Amanda Thatcher to deliver the exhortation to the mourners who gathered to commemorate her life, according to Daily Mail.
Speaking with an American accent, the young Amanda Thatcher captivated the dignitaries, diplomats and the millions of audiences who watched from television with her slow but emphatic reading of St. Paul’s instructions on faith and life to the Ephesians.
Wearing a black coat and dress and wide-brimmed hat with a curling bow, 20-year-old Amanda – whose middle name is Margaret - stood behind her grandmother’s coffin which had a Union Jack draped over it as she took the center stage for the first time in public.
As committed evangelical Christians, she and her older brother Michael, 24, have shown exceptional leadership in their community in the United States and abroad. Friends say Amanda has carried out Christian missionary work in China in recent years.
Amanda, who is studying at University of Richmond, in Virginia, was voted the most likely to ‘change the world’ by her peers when she graduated from school last year. She is also an excellent runner and was captain of the girl’s track team, sang in the choir and continues to enjoy horse-riding.
Adryana Boyne, the sibling’s friend, described Amanda as “an extraordinary woman of faith with a melodious voice and a kind heart (and as my son Samuel says, she bakes good chocolate lava cakes).”
‘Be Strong in the Lord’: Full Text of Amanda Thatcher’s Reading
“Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
Ephesians 6:10-18
(Reuters)
WENN
