CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An online video of a 111-year-old reciting the 23rd Psalm by heart has gone viral.
Hester Ford of Charlotte, North Carolina was interviewed last month by local television station WBTV about the celebration of her 111th birthday and being the third oldest person in the state.
“I married when I was 14 and I had 12 children,” she explained. “I worked on the farm. I did some of everything on the farm that a person could do.”
Ford has 53 grandchildren, 120 great-grandchildren and 126 great-great grandchildren. Her family considers themselves blessed to still have her.
“A lot of people have gone to rest in their younger years, so it’s a blessing that she’s been with us all these years,” her daughter, Hattie Thomas, told the outlet.
While Ford suffers from dementia, when it comes to her faith in God and her recitation of Scripture, her memory is impeccable. She recited the 23rd Psalm for reporter Kristen Hampton, who was covering her birthday celebration.
“Time has taken its toll on Mrs. Ford, but one thing remains intact and untouched by 111 years of life; her faith,” Hampton wrote. “While we visited, Ford was able to recite Psalm 23 word for word and ended with a smile. Her family says her strong faith has followed her throughout her life, and they give credit to God for seeing her through so many years.”
“The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul,” Ford recited. “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me,” she continued. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over.”
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Hampton shared the footage of Ford reciting the 23rd Psalm on her Facebook page, and it quickly went viral. As of press time, the video has over nine million views and 312,000 likes.
“She knows where her help comes from. This is precious,” one commenter wrote.
“This women has gained wisdom that brings salvation by faith. Her mind has retained what is most important in life: to trust and fear GOD,” another said.
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