Words of Cheer by Josephine A. Dickens

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 19, 1901

Words of Cheer.

By Josephine A. Dickens

Josephine A. Dickens.

Some, through lack of physical strength, and ease of circumstances, have not been required to do much housework, but suddenly a change may come, and they be compelled to engage in home duties. These lines are written with the hope of helping such a one to find joy and strength in dish-washing, which will lead to joy in other duties.

In the midst of prosperity, adversity came, and I was reminded of the words, in Proverbs: “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” Faint? I did not want to. When called upon to wash dishes one morning, the thought came, How can I stand in that place where I shall be obliged to stoop while washing dishes, and still keep cheerful? The voice within said, Copy verses of Scripture in large letters on slips of paper, and pin them up before you; also take a poem of Miss Havergal’s, and do likewise. Commit these to memory.

The joy and strength that came in obedience to this suggestion I would not part with for all that could be given me. The blessing thus received continually increases.

Sisters, are you weary? combine the doing of home duties with the storing of the mind with God’s thoughts, and there will come a strength that will surprise you. God’s love and truth will spring up in your heart as a fountain—a well-spring of life.