The value of a praying motherByrum, Isabel C. (Isabel Coston)
Religion
The value of a praying mother
Byrum, Isabel C. (Isabel Coston)
Prayer
A boy of scarce six summers once came to his mother with a question of
life. The mother was shocked; but, offering an earnest prayer for
wisdom, she questioned the child and found that he had heard remarks
made by older boys. As his mind was developed enough to comprehend part
of their conversation, his curiosity was aroused. Having perfect
confidence in his mother, he had sought her for an explanation of the
points that perplexed him. As simply as possible, that mother gave the
information, ending with the words, "Now, darling, this is to be a
perfect secret between us; and when you are old enough, I will tell you
more." Years passed by until the boy was in his eleventh year; then he
once more went to his mother for information. "Mama," he began, "do you
remember the time you told me a secret?" She answered that she did, and
he continued: "Well, I have kept that secret. I have never mentioned it
to any one. And do you remember that you said some time you would tell
me more?" When she answered, "Yes," he said quickly, "Don't you think
I'm old enough now?" In answer, the mother put her arms about him and
said, "My son, you shall hear all you wish to hear. What is it, dear?"
Then as each question came, she gave him a satisfactory answer, and
ended by saying, "Whenever you want to know more, come to me, and I will
tell you." That boy continued to go to his mother; and when he entered
the most trying period of his life, her advice kept him from the dangers
into which so many fall. In hours of trial she was able to point him to
the Savior. Never neglect the duty of warning your child of danger.
Teaching of this kind will endear you to your children long after you
are resting in the grave. They will recount, "My mother told me this.
My father taught me that. They must have understood God's plan of
salvation, or they would never have known how to tell me these things."
But the task will require your highest talents. Sympathy and love,
constant watchfulness, and earnest prayer will be the most needful.
Since the child does not know himself, you must learn to know him. You
must search for the secret springs that govern his actions and for the
master key that will unlock his heart.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account