As I have watched my children struggling with the necessity of making a living and providing for their families, I have felt a desire to speak to my posterity about the importance of seeking after that which matters most.
Opportunities may arise in which much money can be made, and I applaud the efforts of my children when they are able to righteously take advantage of such. Nevertheless, I urge caution, for while making a living is important, I say with all the energy of my soul, that I would rather see my children poor and struggling, but living in righteousness, than swimming in luxury, but living far from God. The Savior put it succinctly. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
I desire to see my posterity raised in a Christ centered home, where love abounds, and where father and mother work together as equal partners in the most important enterprise in the world; that of raising up their children in the way they should go. In such a home, God’s goodness will be acknowledged, and there will be family prayer, morning and night, with the family kneeling around the kitchen table, or in the living room. In such a home, there will be a family night weekly, where parents and children rejoice in each other’s company. In such a home there will be daily scripture study, if nothing more than the scriptures read at the dinner table. Yes, there will be meals around the table, and not in front of a television set. Around the dinner table, discussions will cover the events of the day. All will partake freely, and encouragement will be generously doled out. Yes, Christ will be at the center of such a home.
It will be a home where the father fills his role as provider and protector. It will be a home where the mother can answer her little ones, when they call out “mom, are you here?” Yes I would like to see a home where my daughters and daughters in law, and their daughters after them, can ever be busy in the enterprise of caring for their little ones, for the business of raising children is not a job for a babysitter or a child care center. Remember, that very precious time parents have with their children is but a short span, and then, the little ones will be little no longer.
My heart rends for the single mother who must entrust her little ones to others while she works to provide for them. I know she does so with an aching heart. For such a mother, much sincere and heart rending prayer is required. Where possible, grandmothers or aunts should fill that role, for in them the maternal instinct reaches out to little ones. Dear single mother, you are not alone, if you will remember to look to the Light. It may be a trial of your faith, but the Lord is mindful. Remember, you shall receive no witness until after the trial of your faith. Oh then be faithful! I say unto my posterity, and I ask that they remember this; God is merciful unto the fulfilling of His promises unto the righteous!
Father, take back your role of provider and protector, and let mother stay home to care for your little ones. Impoverished and struggling though you may be, you shall, at a later day rejoice in that decision. Mother’s place is at home. Truly, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. It is mother who inspires a boy or a girl to be all he or she can be. It is a mother who inspires them to look as far as the eye can see, and to aspire to greatness in the sight of God.
Such a mother was mine. I am grateful for a mother who loved me, and encouraged me, and was always home for me. We were poor, and mother could have worked, but I am grateful for the strength of my father. “I have two strong hands. With God’s help, I will provide for this family.” And so it was. We struggled, but we never went hungry, and I can remember across the long years, tenderly, as if it was yesterday, calling out after school, “Mom, I’m home!” and the soft reply, “Yes, dear, I’m in the kitchen.” I knew she was there. Oh, the comfort her sweet voice gave!
My sons, and my sons in law, and their sons after them, cherish the roles of your spouses, as queens and mothers of your households. If you will do so, I promise you in the name of the Lord, that marvelous blessings will ensue, for my posterity will be raised in righteousness. A mother’s place is in the home.
BLESSINGS on the hand of women!
Angels guard its strength and grace.
In the palace, cottage, hovel,
Oh, no matter where the place;
Would that never storms assailed it,
Rainbows ever gently curled,
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Infancy’s the tender fountain,
Power may with beauty flow,
Mothers first to guide the streamlets,
From them souls unresting grow—
Grow on for the good or evil,
Sunshine streamed or evil hurled,
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Woman, how divine your mission,
Here upon our natal sod;
Keep—oh, keep the young heart open
Always to the breath of God!
All true trophies of the ages
Are from mother-love impearled,
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Blessings on the hand of women!
Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,
And the sacred song is mingled
With the worship in the sky—
Mingles where no tempest darkens,
Rainbows evermore are hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
(William Ross Wallace)
Hi. This is good.
Thank you Krissy!