Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

The wicks speak of our humanity. As we gather each morning and evening for Family Devotions, to come into God's presence as a family, He reveals to us the things that grieve His Holy Spirit and that we need to trim off our lives--the dead, burnt works of the flesh that smoke everyone out in the home! But trimmed wicks are not enough. We have to be filled again with the Holy Spirit, which is represented by the holy anointing oil.

The lampstand was made of pure beaten gold, speaking of the divinity of Christ. We have no light of ourselves. We have no righteousness of our own. It is only His holiness and His light shining through us that gives hope to the lost, light to the darkened and deceived, and comfort of to the troubled and broken-hearted.

Can we be golden lampstand families in this dark world? Let’s commit ourselves to attending to our lampstands every morning and evening.

Love from Nancy Campbell

And did you know? It is the same word the Bible uses about childbearing. 1 Timothy 2:15 says that women "will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, and with self-control."

Many women do not want to heed to this truth and consequently miss out on the blessings. As we embrace childbearing, for which God created us, we are saved physically, emotionally, and spiritually--and we are saved from deception.

To embrace childbearing is not a negative to you as a woman. It is your glory. And God promises you will be saved, delivered, protected, healed, and preserved. I love the word "preserved," don't you? And you will be made whole.

Why do we think our way is better than God’s way?

Love from Nancy Campbell

This is why God is so emphatic about training our children to obey. It is not only for their benefit; they will live a happier life and ultimately a longer life. It is not only for our benefit; we will also live happier and more restful lives. But it is for God. He wants children who will obey Him. We train our children to obey us so obedience becomes a habit of their lives and they will be ready to obey God when they hear His voice speaking to them.

I have always been challenged by the words from Surveying the Evidence, where the authors state: “If atheism is not normal, why do certain people become unbelievers? First of all, it is well known that the seeds of atheism can be planted early in life. One of the most dangerous contributions a parent can make toward the spiritual delinquency of his child is a failure to instill within him a wholesome respect for authority. If the parent neglects to set the proper example as an authority figure, or refuses to exercise discipline with love, he might well be rejected as an authority-figure by his child, and thus, by transference, the child ultimately may come to disdain all authority, including the Supreme Authority, God.”

The greatest aim of parenting is preparing our children to have the right attitude to God—to love Him with their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength; but also to fear Him, honor Him, and obey Him. If they do not have the right attitude to their parents, they won't know how to relate to God.

May God help us to raise our children for Him!

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

This story reveals a spiritual principle. Jael did not give the enemy a foothold in her home. She dealt him a death blow. This is the same spirit God wants us to have. The enemy of our souls, and the souls of our children, lurks around trying to gain a foothold in our home.

We must be on the watch. And when he makes an appearance we do not sit idly by. We will not be tolerant. We take action. Pray. Intercede. Speak out the Scriptures. Lift up the name of Jesus. Plead the blood of Jesus. Deal him a death blow. He’s not taking my children on my watch!

Jael didn't even have to go out to war. She won the final victory for the nation of Israel right in her home. As a mother, you are also a warrior for God in your home. Don't give the devil who comes "to steal, kill, and destroy" one inch of comfort in your home. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, throw him out.

Rise up in the powerful name of Jesus and be a devil-defeating mother.

God’s blessing to your home today,

Nancy Campbell

Instead, Arden was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. That began a long, hard battle for him. As a family we stood with him in prayer and faith. I remember in the summer of 2016, that we came together for three months every night to pray for him—all the family, even down to the babies. Often there would be over 30 of us. The children and young people (Arden’s cousins) poured our their hearts in prayer every night.

I printed out healing promises in big print and pinned them all around our big social room where we prayed. We had to stand on these promises because everything we beheld was the opposite! It was a fight of faith. We dared not look at what we saw, but what God’s Word says.

We feel awed and humbled at the grace of God and that we can now, after two years and eight months, tell you that he is clear! He is healed! Thank You, Father, for your faithfulness.

Thank you, too, for each of you who prayed and cried out for Arden, especially in his darkest time of fighting for life. Thank you for your love and your faithfulness to join us in prayer. Thank you for your prevailing prayers. Prayer is never wasted. It constantly goes up before the Lord as incense (Revelation 5:8 and 8:3-5). We are so grateful to you.

We give God all the glory.

Blessings from Nancy

Why are those who are gripped by the demonic forces of death and deception making their voice heard
so loudly? Because they are militant!

Currently, the following organizations are funding and organizing RISE UP FOR ROE with meetings throughout the country. They are Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NARAL Pro Choice America, and Demand Justice Initiative. They are encouraging their supporters across the land to become “maximum hysterical” as they advocate the murdering of babies in the womb and do everything in their power to stop the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Another speaker stated: “We’re powerful as hell and we’re mad!”

Chelsea Clinton stated that abortion adds trillions of dollars to the nation’s economy. What deception. On an average, people spend $60,000 a year! Just think of the 60 million who have been murdered since ROE V. WADE. Just think of the trillions these people would have added to the nation’s economy! What new business? What new inventions? What new feats? Let alone the saving of 60 million precious lives!

They are whipping up people to vote against every pro-life senator or governor. They are encouraging them to come out in their droves to vote in the mid-term elections. They are the devil’s advocates as they rally to murder life in the womb.

Let’s take up our weapons of prayer (Psalm 149:6-9) and let’s be a voice for God. Let’s call our senators. Let’s speak to people. Let’s write on Facebook or whatever. And make sure we vote in the mid-term elections. The vote determines what happens.

“Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” (Psalm 94:16).

Be encouraged.

Nancy Campbell

A nation is only as strong as its marriages and families. The most powerful thing we can do is keep our marriages strong and build strong, godly families. As mothers we determine the future of our nation for it is our children who will direct the course of the nation in the coming years.

Because God is the originator of marriage and family, the devil hates it! He is at war against it. War against lasting marriage. War against the womb (Genesis 3:15). War against the family. And the battle is intensifying. The statists, leftists, progressives, and the socialists are shouting and yelling their hate at God’s original mandate.

It’s time for God’s people to arise. It’s time for us mothers to arise. It’s time to rise from our silence and speak the truth. If we do not proclaim the truth now, we will lose what we have. Jesus says in Revelation 3:11: “I am coming soon. HOLD FAST WHAT YOU HAVE, so that no one may seize your crown.”

Do not be intimidated by your antagonists. Do not be silenced by the deceivers. Never be ashamed of God’s Word and His truth.

When God exhorts us to “tell of His wondrous works,” to “shew forth” his marvelous works,” to “declare” his glory among the heathen,” it is the word “caphar.” This word not only means to speak and show forth, but to WRITE. This is the word that is also used for “scribe” in the Bible.

Dear wives and mothers, don’t use your Facebook for the mundane. Use it to proclaim God’s truth. To write it. Not only to your Christian friends, but the Bible says, “to the heathen.” If you can’t think what to write yourself, share with all your friends the posts I write to you each day. Scroll down this Facebook and check some posts that are powerful to you and share them with your friends too.

TAKE ABOVE RUBIES MAGAZINES with you wherever you go and share them with mothers you meet at the supermarket, etc. Leave them in waiting rooms. Place them in baby changing tables in restrooms.

Or, think of all the people you know in your city and across the nation. EMAIL THEIR NAMES AND ADDRESSES TO ME at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I’ll be happy to send a magazine to them. Together, we can get the message out!

Psalm 60:4 reminds us that God has given a banner of truth to us. He wants us to fly it high. A banner is never to be hidden. It is to be displayed.

I can’t do this alone. Will you help me? We need to get Above Rubies out to thousands and thousands more families who have never heard of it. Every mother in the home needs this encouragement. Millions of mothers need wooing back into the home. Back to where they belong. Back to their children.

IT’S TIME TO LIFT UP THE BANNER! WAVE THE FLAG OF GOD’S TRUTH FOR BIBLICAL MARRIAGE AND FAMILY. TIME TO PUT AWAY ALL FEARS AND FEAR GOD ONLY.

IT’S TIME TO BE A VOICE OR OUR VOICE FOR TRUTH WILL SOON BE TAKEN AWAY!

I’ll look forward to receiving new names and address of all the women you can think of so we can reach out and bless them.

In His love,

Nancy Campbell

A nation is only as strong as its marriages and families. The most powerful thing we can do is keep our marriages strong and build strong, godly families. As mothers we determine the future of our nation for it is our children who will direct the course of the nation in the coming years.

Because God is the originator of marriage and family, the devil hates it! He is at war against it. War against lasting marriage. War against the womb (Genesis 3:15). War against the family. And the battle is intensifying. The statists, leftists, progressives, and the socialists are shouting and yelling their hate at God’s original mandate.

It’s time for God’s people to arise. It’s time for us mothers to arise. It’s time to rise from our silence and speak the truth. If we do not proclaim the truth now, we will lose what we have. Jesus says in Revelation 3:11: “I am coming soon. HOLD FAST WHAT YOU HAVE, so that no one may seize your crown.”

Do not be intimidated by your antagonists. Do not be silenced by the deceivers. Never be ashamed of God’s Word and His truth.

When God exhorts us to “tell of His wondrous works,” to “shew forth” his marvelous works,” to “declare” his glory among the heathen,” it is the word “caphar.” This word not only means to speak and show forth, but to WRITE. This is the word that is also used for “scribe” in the Bible.

Dear wives and mothers, don’t use your Facebook for the mundane. Use it to proclaim God’s truth. To write it. Not only to your Christian friends, but the Bible says, “to the heathen.” If you can’t think what to write yourself, share with all your friends the posts I write to you each day. Scroll down this Facebook and check some posts that are powerful to you and share them with your friends too.

Take some Above Rubies magazines with you wherever you go and share them with mothers you meet at the supermarket, etc. Leave them in waiting rooms. Place them in baby changing tables in restrooms.

Or, think of all the people you know in your city and across the nation. EMAIL THEIR NAMES AND ADDRESSES TO ME at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I’ll be happy to send a magazine to them. Let’s get the message out.

Psalm 60:4 reminds us that God has given a banner of truth to us. He wants us to fly it high. A banner is never to be hidden. It is to be displayed.

I can’t do this alone. Will you help me? We need to get Above Rubies out to thousands and thousands more families who have never heard of it. Every mother in the home needs this encouragement. Millions of mothers need wooing back into the home. Back to where they belong. Back to their children.

IT’S TIME TO LIFT UP THE BANNER! WAVE THE FLAG OF GOD’S TRUTH FOR BIBLICAL MARRIAGE AND FAMILY. TIME TO PUT AWAY ALL FEARS AND FEAR GOD ONLY.

IT’S TIME TO BE A VOICE OR OUR VOICE FOR TRUTH WILL SOON BE TAKEN AWAY!

I’ll look forward to receiving new names and address of all the women you can think of so we can reach out and bless them.

In His love,

Nancy Campbell

What does it mean to shepherd? Two massive tasks—to feed and to keep.

The word “feed” is “raah” and means “to feed, pasture, rule, and care for our flock, but it also means to associate with as a friend.” I was talking to a mother of five teens the other day and she said with a big smile, “My teens are my best friends.”

The word “keep” is “shamar” and means “to guard, keep safe, watch over and protect.” Once again, we are always near our flock. We can’t watch over them if we are not with them. And, of course, we not only protect their physical lives, but their souls and spirits.

Your mothering role is a powerful and fulltime career. Embrace it and enjoy it today.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

2. Some things you need to think about. All children need to be up and dressed (and if old enough), beds made by breakfast time. This enables you to be ready to have Family Devotions together after breakfast. It will never happen if you don’t organize it to happen!

Appoint duties for each member of the family to clean up the kitchen and get laundry started for the day. All children need to be involved from the youngest to the oldest. Make sure everything is cleaned up before you start homeschooling. This is just to get you started. You can think about the rest of your day. But make sure you also think about how you will prepare your evening meal and what time you will get into the kitchen to get it going.

3. Share the plan with your husband and ask him for any changes or better ideas. Pray over it together.

4. Gather the family together at a suitable time. Share with the family that you can't keep going the way you are. A family must run smoothly and so you have got a great plan to make it happen and you are all going to be involved. Then share the plan with the family and tell them their appointed tasks. You can also print it and pin it up where all can see it.

5. Be excited about it and let the children catch the vision. When you start your tasks in the morning, aim for a time to have them finished. No dawdling allowed! Teach your children to work hard and fast. You are training them for the future! You are training them to be successful employees, or better still, employers! You are training them how to run their home when they get married. They must know how to work hard, fast, and joyfully!

If tasks are done by a certain time, put a star on the fridge. At the end of the week, if there are a certain number of stars, plan a celebration. Go out for ice-cream. Have a special meal, or purchase a little gift for each of the children who played their part. Incentive is great. There is nothing wrong with giving incentives.

Blessings to you today,

Nancy Campbell

We cannot run our homeland unless it is based on obedience. Titus 2:5 commands us wives to be obedient to our husband. We set the example for our children who are to be obedient to us. When obedience is established in the home, the home runs smoothly.

When a wife resists her husband, there is no peace. When children are not trained to obey, there is chaos! No mother can enjoy mothering disobedient children. No wonder many mothers don't like mothering. They have children who are out of control.

Establish obedience in your home and the blessing of God will come down.

Love from Nancy Campbell

Meadow Hall, a young mother, continues to share her thoughts. (I believe every mother should especially read points 5 and 6. ~ Nancy).

Also don’t miss today’s podcast with Meadow (and Autumn her sister). Meadow and I continue to talk about modesty and femininity. What about bikinis and leggings? Should they be part of our wardrobe? Can Christians wear jewelry? How do we embrace femininity in a genderless society? Should we pursue an egalitarian or complementarian marriage?

GLEANINGS FROM A NEW MOTHER, Part 2

4. POSTPARTUM CAN ALSO BE CULTURALLY AND SPIRITUALLY RELATED

The “overwhelming” feelings of postpartum or “postpartum depression” are not only about hormones. They can also be culturally and spiritually related.

I didn’t get postpartum depression, but there were times when I would cry and feel overwhelmed. Part of that is due to hormones, exhaustion, and sleep deprivation, but it can go deeper than that.

I believe that the enemy of our souls will try to attack new parents and cause them feelings of helplessness and stress, especially during postpartum, the time when they are vulnerable. God loves children, but Satan hates children. He seeks to make having a baby seem like a burden instead of a blessing. He tries to overwhelm you so that you will dread having another baby or you won’t want to again for a long time. He tries to steal your joy and may cause you to believe your life is “restricted” or you “have no life now”.

Our culture is also to blame why women can be in a state of “shock” when they become mothers. Back in that day, preparing young women for maternal duties was normal, and so many women were able to transition smoothly into motherhood. But with the rise of feminism, our society functions as if women don’t grow up to become mothers.

In her article “When I became a Mother, Feminism let Me Down” feminist Samantha Johnson wrote: “We are so driven by the focus that women can do the same and be the same as men, that we completely fail to provide them with education or understanding of what may be ahead of them as future homemakers and those who raise children. How can we ensure equality for all women when we place so little value on the role of the mother?” I’m not a feminist myself, but I agree with her on the point that our society has failed mothers.

I am thankful that I come from a family that embraces having children and did not cause me to believe that I need “to become successful” before I become a mother or make me feel like my life amounts to nothing now. I have been blessed to have a wonderful support system in my postpartum season. My family have shown me that motherhood is a high calling and more important than any other career.

Sadly, many other new mothers don’t have older women to truly encourage them or show them the way anymore. It’s in the season of postpartum, when women are the most exhausted and spiritually and hormonally vulnerable, that we need others to encourage us in our new role as mothers, instead of feeling even more discouraged in a society that frowns upon motherhood and homemakers.

5. PARENTING GIVES YOU A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S HEART

Becoming parents gives you a deeper understanding of the Father-heart of God. To have so many hopes and dreams for my child; to feel such a strong protective spirit over him; to feel like I would go through labor all over again for him; that I would bear any of his pain for him if I could; that I would give my life for him, and devote my life to love and raise him! It’s amazing how it can feel like it would be impossible to love your baby any more than you do now. It’s even more amazing when I realize that the powerful love I have for my baby is only a fraction of the love God has for him and me. It’s truly mind blowing.

It can be harder to fully appreciate and understand how God loves us and has beautiful hopes for us as our Father, until we become parents ourselves. It also gives us a deeper appreciation for all the years our parents sowed into us and the love they felt.

Being a parent also helps you to become more like Jesus. It forces you to give up selfishness you may not have even been aware that you had before. Now life is not just about looking out for yourself. You must lay down your life to serve another. It is a sad thing that many people avoid parenthood because they don’t want to give up their “freedom.” But where is the purpose in life if we do not serve Jesus and others, and only ourselves? When we willingly lay down our lives in service, that is when we discover true contentment and joy.

6. YOUR HUSBAND DOESN’T COME SECOND

Having a baby doesn’t mean my husband “comes second” now. It’s not true that you have to say goodbye to romance when you become parents. Loving my husband is still just as important now as it was before I became a Mother. My baby may be the most helpless and requires most of my time, but he is not the “most important.” I still must show my husband that I make him a priority, and that after God, he is the most important relationship in my life . . . and then comes my child.

You can be more tired as parents, and your alone time together may only happen when the baby is asleep. But that just means pursuing each other and initiating romance is more intentional now. I don’t have the right to “deny” my husband love just because I’m feeling tired. And yet, there are women who treat their husbands this way when they become exhausted.

Just imagine if we deny our babies love and make them feel neglected when they need us because we’re feeling tired! We wouldn’t be very good mothers if we treated them that way! So why is it considered acceptable to deny and neglect our husbands? Not only is hurtful; it’s also unbiblical.

1 Corinthians 7:5 (GNT) says: “Do not deny yourselves to each other, unless you first agree to do so for a while in order to spend your time in prayer; but then resume normal marital relations. In this way you will be kept from giving in to Satan's temptation because of your lack of self-control.”

I am a mother now, but I was firstly, and still am a wife. I never tell my husband: “I’m too tired,” “I’m not in the mood,” or “Not tonight.” We still have quality time together and we’ve even managed to go on a couple of dates.

Becoming parents together can either weaken or strengthen our marriage. It can weaken it if we forget where our priorities are and use being “busy parents” as an excuse to neglect each other. Or, it can strengthen our marriage because now we are on a like-minded-mission as “one” to raise and love this child together. We make time for each other and still sow into our marriage which will also create security for our child.

Giving love to my baby does not mean I have to give less love to my husband. it just means there’s more love to go around! I’m sure this is also how it will be when our family keeps on growing! I don’t have to give less love to my child because we will have more. The love will multiply!

MEADOW HALL
Facebook: Meadow Hall
Instagram: _m_e_a_d_o_w_
Check out Podcast, No. 12, posted today at http://ARPoddy.buzzsprout.com Picture: Meadow and Kendall with baby Warren.

Anita Johnson is the Canadian Coordinator of Above Rubies. Here are some of her children helping with the Canadian packaging of Above Rubies.

I have been publishing Above Rubies for over 40 years now, and it has always been accomplished in the home. It's all about the home and so that's where it happens.

~ Nancy

I shared last week’s podcast, FACING MODESTY HEAD ON, with my granddaughter, Meadow Hall. I hope you get time to listen. You will hear from Meadow again when No. 12 podcast goes out on Tuesday morning, 21st, entitled MODESTY AND FEMININITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY. Look for it.

In the meantime, I know you’ll love to read more from Meadow. Recently she wrote about her feelings as a new mother. I’ll send it out in two parts, one for today and one for tomorrow.

GLEANINGS FROM A NEW MOTHER, Part 1
In honor of my little man, Warren Charles turning six months, here are six things I've learned since becoming a Mom!

1. CHANGE OUR PERSPECTIVE OF CHILDBIRTH

Every woman loves to share her birth story (myself included). But we need to be aware of how we present childbirth when we share our experiences, especially around young girls or pregnant women who have not yet experienced it themselves. We can be honest about the trial of giving birth, but we should always offer encouragement instead of fear.

If you talk about your birth story as a “horror story” instead of something you have learned and grown from, all that does is cause dread in younger women. If you only have a traumatic story to tell, be careful how you share it, or don't share it, if it is only going to promote fear.

There are also people who would call a pregnant woman “crazy” if she plans to go natural (epidural-free) and that is not a healthy view to God’s natural design of birth. We should encourage and remind young women that God designed their bodies to do this! We need to convince them that though it is hard, childbirth can be a beautiful experience, and it’s so important to not be fearful, whether they have an epidural, a C-section, go natural, or they have a home birth! Encourage them to receive their strength from God!

When I tell future mothers or pregnant mothers my birth story, I will be honest about the challenge, but I want to leave them feeling inspired and encouraged, not fearful! I feel this is my responsibility.

2. THROW MORE BIRTH ENCOURAGEMENT PARTIES

I believe we should throw more birth encouragement parties for first-time mothers! My Mom threw me a “birth encouragement party” and invited experienced mothers to come and encourage me about childbirth. They gave me their wisdom and advice, and their gifts were freezer meals for my postpartum season. I was so encouraged, and I wrote down a lot of notes afterwards!

Think of how much more inspired new mothers would be if they had this kind of support system! This is a great way to bless and encourage a first-time pregnant mother. Just make sure the women you invite use their testimonies to encourage, not promote fear.

3. FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT DURING POSTPARTUM

I believe it is so important to have a family and a community to support you during postpartum.
I am the type of person who wants to have the house looking perfect, the food already made, and candles burning when we have company over. There is no way that’s happening during the first couple of weeks postpartum. It was humbling to allow people to come over when my house was a mess, I’m a mess, and then allow them to clean my house and serve me! But it was so needed!

Postpartum is a special, but sometimes, overwhelming season. I was so thankful when my family came over to bring me food, give me advice on how to nurse/take care of Warren, and clean the house for me so I could take a much-needed nap. I remember thinking that other new mothers would probably do so much better in their postpartum season if they had other people to support them this way. We also had friends from our church bring us a meal, and that was so sweet!

If you know a family nearby who just had a baby, bring them a meal, or see if you can run an errand for them, or help in some way! If you are the couple who just had the baby, be open to letting people serve you and love you the way Jesus would! It is a blessing for them too!

MEADOW HALL
Facebook: Meadow Hall
Instagram: _m_e_a_d_o_w_

P.S. Part 2 to come tomorrow.
Check out Podcast, No. 11 at http://ARPoddy.buzzsprout.com And don’t miss No. 12 tomorrow!

To contact Heather:
Ph: 360 271 9668
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Heather thanks you for your love and patience. She would love to do more t-shirts in the future, but has learned what to do and what not to do next time to make it more streamline!

Love,

Nancy

When I was pregnant with my sixth we outgrew our eight-passenger van. I did not worry or fret. I asked God to provide us with a 15 passenger. I also asked God for no carpet in my van! God heard my prayer. My friend knew I was on the lookout for a van and she told me about a church selling a 15 passenger with new tires! Guess what? The van had no carpet! I can now sweep out my van and it’s so much easier than to vacuum.

My youngest baby is four months old. I have never yet had to buy her diapers! My friend who had a premature baby was showered with so many diapers she gave me some. Then more friends started giving me extra! To top it off, my friends threw me a welcome baby shower and I got more diapers and wipes!

I rarely buy clothes for my seven children! People pass on clothes all the time and I happily accept hand me downs. My children have clothes, they are fed, and they are blessed spiritually. What more could I ask for? God is so gracious and has met our family’s every need.

If you are struggling about the financial aspect of adding another child to your family I would encourage you to go to the Lord in prayer. He will give you peace. When you’re feeling down, just think on the things God has provided for your growing family and you will be amazed!

MEAGHAN SIMONS
Newport, North Carolina, USA
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Picture: Dustin and Meaghan with their children:
From the left: Iris (11), Rose (10), Bethany Joy in mommy’s arms (6 months) Elisabeth in daddy's arms (2), children on the window seat--Max (8), Grace (6), and Isaac (4).

Then came some more all in a row.
Everywhere I went, six little arrows in tow.
God called me again to His mission field.
I answered, "To China, to Africa, to Israel, oh where?"
His voice was clear, soft, and gentle. My ministry arranged—

"My child, you are to polish our arrows,
Preparing them for My call to spread my
Words of life for other nations to see."

"Lord," I cried, "Loneliness surrounds my soul,
No other woman stands with me answering your call.
The sacrifice is great.
Women give way to another's voice, pulling them away
from their home, far from the quiver."

Once more I pleaded, "May I go too, Lord, I feel the call
To share with the lost life-giving words,
To feed the hungry a satisfying meal."

"My child," Jesus replied, "You share with your
children salvation and truth.
Feed them meals under your roof.
Discipline them, train them, and then lie down in peace,
For sacrificial love have you given to make the world right.
Arise in the morning, open My Book,
Teach them that into My eyes they must look."

"Yes, Lord, I replied, "But should I serve you in a more obvious way?"

"Child, my sweet child," God spoke once more.
“I anointed you to do this work—the high calling of motherhood.
To show our children the need for my love."

"Lord," I sought out, still not fully convinced,
"Should I sew for those in thread-barren clothes, a Dorcas, a Martha?"

"Sit at my feet, my child, listen to me.
Your daughter needs dresses, your sons’ warm shirts,
The button of your husband's coat still lies on the table.
Pick up your mantle, the rod of Aaron.
Lead my women back to their home.”

"Yes, Lord."

Filled and content, I took my position in God's mission field.
Hungry faces graced my bedside.
Clothed in God's mantle, children at my side,
I prepared breakfast.

PAULA MULLER
Broadnax, VA, USA
Painting: HENRI JULES JEAN GEOFFROY | Breakfast