Encouragement to Mothers by Vera Churchill

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 12, 1912

Encouragement to Mothers

By Vera Churchill

VERA CHURCHILL

WE often hear mothers speak of how much they would like, were it in their power, to go as missionaries to heathen lands. Do you know, dear mothers, that we can do a missionary work right in our own homes which is as pleasing to God, which demands as much consecration, and which will bring not only a blessing, but a great reward as well?

Our wise Father has placed in the mother-heart a feeling akin to his own, for mother-love is God-love. What is there that a true mother will not endure for the sake of her child? There is no sacrifice too great, no labor too humble, for her to undertake for those she loves.

A mother of my acquaintance became almost discouraged with her many cares and trials. It seemed to her that all her efforts to rear her little ones aright, as well as her own life, had been a failure. Being very weary, she sought her couch for a much-needed rest. There she fell asleep and dreamed of taking a journey, on which she met a mother with several small children. She noticed how carefully the mother guided their steps, leading them around the rough places, and pointing out what was harmful in the way; how cheerfully she answered their many questions, and seemed to rejoice that their little minds were developing under her training. It seemed to the dreamer that children so carefully guided along life's uneven pathway would not be likely to go astray as they grew older; and then, looking up, she saw a white angel of peace hovering over the mother and her children, and heard a voice saying, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of these my little ones, ye have done it unto me.” Her sympathies went out to that mother, and she wished she could see her face. Just then the mother turned, and she beheld herself. She awoke with the thought that she had never realized what help she was having in the performance of her duty.

It was only a dream, but that tired, discouraged mother took up life's burdens with renewed strength, hoping and trusting in him who said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Dear mothers, it is the little trials, and the little crosses, which are so annoying, that we must bear with patience if we would gain the reward at last. O, let us then as mothers be willing to receive the lessons, whether given in reproof or counsel, which our Father sends us, and go on faithfully unto the end, believing and trusting in him who has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Udall, Kans.