Category Archives: Motherhood

The Power of Touch

Posted in Cancer, Family, Healing, Motherhood, My thoughts, Prayer by

Yes I believe there is power in touch.

Power is transmitted by touch from one person to an other.  Love is transmitted by touch.  Warmth is transmitted by touch.  Care is transmitted by the touch of a hand.  Reassurance is transmitted by touch.  Welcome and greeting are transmitted by a hand shake.  Healing is transmitted by touch.  Comfort is transmitted by touch.  We keep warm by touch.  Touch brings peace, stillness and rest.

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An embrace demonstrates inclusiveness, the opposite of rejection.  A pet, whether it is a cat, chicken, dog or horse responds to the touch of his owners hand.  They are reassured that they are important to their owner.

Christian marriage vows include the words, “Do you take (name) to be your wife to have and to hold from this day forth. Having someone to hold or touch is necessary for people.  God said it was not good for man to be alone.  Marriage is important for companionship.  Ecclesiastes says Two are better than one.  When they lie down they keep warm.  This is so true as we approach winter.

I want to give you some examples of the power of touch.

A new born baby was revived when he lay on his mother’s breast.  The mum spoke to her lifeless child while she and her husband lovingly touched him.  Another new born baby was placed on his mother’s chest as she lay in a coma.  Her heart responded to the baby’s cry.  The mother made a full recovery.

Life and healing flow through touch.  How comforting for each of my babies to be held in their father’s big hands.  My husband was at the birth of each child and held each one and welcomed him into the world with his voice and reassuring touch.

When I held each of my new born babies in my arms love flowed from my heart to the baby.  The baby automatically began to suckle when he touched my breast.  My body responded to my baby’s touch by producing milk for the baby.  In the early years of a child’s life he will feel his dad and mum’s touch often.  It is in the family that we learn about touch.  In public people keep their boundaries and don’t often touch.

Jesus broke that protocol.  He and his disciples touched people outside of family to impart healing.

In the Bible, the first mention of Jesus touching anyone happens when he lays hands on the little children. The women wanted Jesus to lay hands on their children and pray.

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. (‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭7, 13-15‬ NIV)

He touched a little girl and heals her.

Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” (‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭22-23‬ NIV)

It was important for Jesus to touch people to impart healing.

“Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.”(‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭40‬ KJV)

A woman with a issue of blood for twelve years believed if she touched Jesus’ garment she would be healed.

Just then a woman with an issue of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the hem of his cloak.  Jesus turned to her and said Your faith has made you whole.”

He instructed his disciples to do the same.

They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. (‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬ NIV)

They will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (‭Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭17-18‬ NIV)

Jesus told his followers to touch people and they would receive the Holy Spirit.

They laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭17‬ KJV)

The personal touch is important to Jesus.  Through one touching another with his hands healing is imparted as Jesus taught us.  When each of my family prayed and laid hands on me for my healing I felt heat coming into my body from his hands.  The power of God is transmitted though touch.  Like power comes into the battery of an iPhone through the charger, power comes from one person to another when we pray in Jesus name.

Reach out and touch someone today.  You will bring change.  People are too busy rushing and working starved of love.

https://daily post.wordpress.com/prompts/the-power-of-touch/

 

 

 

You Shall Wear Them All as Jewels.

Posted in Canada, Family Friday, Ireland, Motherhood, My thoughts, Nations, Restoration, Travel by

I picked up this ring today from the jewellers.  I had left it there some time ago to get enlarged to fit my finger.

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My son Isaac was home from Canada last month for a visit.  He left Ireland in July 2014 to work in Canada.  He not only found work there but also romance.

Earlier this year Isaac travelled with Sam Emerson on a mission to Kenya.  My husband connected Cloverdale Church with a pastor in Kenya that educates and cares for orphans.  The church continue to support this work.  So my son from Ireland goes to Kenya via Canada to meet a pastor his dad met many years ago.

Isaac and Sam had some time to kill while they waited for their flight out of Kenya.  They went downtown Nairobi.  They enjoyed the colourful culture of this country so far away from Canada or Ireland.  Isaac’s dad travels to the nations, so Isaac was comfortable seeing a new nation.
Isaac found a silver ring with jewels on it, in a shop or market place, I don’t know which.  He counted the number of jewels.  There were sixteen, the number of children in his family plus dad and mum.  It reminded him of his family.  He purchased the ring and kept it safe.
Isaac presented it to me when he returned home for a visit.  I was touched when he told me how he came by the ring.
Brendan often says, “God knows where I live.”
That day God knew where Isaac was.  He picked up a piece of jewellry in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a street in Kenya.  It reminded him of home.  He is one of those sixteen stones on the ring.  I will wear this ring.

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
Your children hasten back, and those who laid you waste depart from you.
Lift up your eyes and look around; all your children gather and come to you.
As surely as I live,” declares the Lord, “you will wear them all as jewels;
you will put them on, like a bride. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭15-18‬ NIV)

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Posted in Family Friday, Motherhood, My thoughts, Restoration by

imageWhile visiting Glasgow recently I went to see the Transport Museum.  It proved to be a great day out and  I would recommend a visit there if you are in Glasgow. There is such a variety of vehicles displayed there, from children’s bicycles to double decker buses and trams.  One item that caught my eye was a pram that was in a recreated shop window. It brought me back forty three years.

My husband bought me a similar pram for our first child.  It had plenty of room, could be pushed over all sorts of surfaces without discomfort to the baby because of the large wheels and springs.  There was room for the baby to lie down stretched out.  Baby would quickly settle if she was rocked to sleep in this pram. The large hood protected baby from cold, sea winds that blew in the town in which we lived at that time.   I enjoyed many walks proudly pushing my pram.

When we returned from Scotland Brendan gave me this photograph he had taken forty three years ago of me pushing my pram with baby Shann inside.  Brendan has always had an interest in photography and has collected many beautiful memories.  See how he framed the photo to show my reflection.  He was being prophetic showing me going through water.  We did not know then what lay ahead in our lives but love has conquered.  I have been through many deep waters since but God had not let the waters come over me.

One disadvantage, it occupied the hallway of the next house in which we lived.  I often parked the pram outside the front door.  A young girl knocked my door and asked if she could help me look after my baby for a while.  I was happy to let her push the baby in the pram to get her over to sleep.  This young lady has been a friend ever since.

Six years later I bought another spring pram.  There was one similar to it in the museum shop. My family was increasing.  I remember pushing that pram with two children in it, baby Aaron lying sleeping and Nora sitting at one end.  It was the only vehicle we owned at that time.  I went shopping with two children and was able to put the groceries underneath in a tray.  I didn’t need a licence to drive that vehicle.  Many were the walks I had pushing my precious children in this pram.  I would arrive home from a visit with a friend with two content children sleeping.  We had a good day out. image I walked down memory lane as I looked in that shop window in the Glasgow Museum.

Family Friday. Grandchildren are the Crown and Glory of the Aged.

Posted in Canada, Family Friday, Holiday, Ireland, Motherhood, My thoughts, Restoration, Travel by

Last Saturday I attended a family event.  About one hundred and fifty people gathered together to celebrate being children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of my mother and father.  My parents are both dead, but we met to honor their memory and their sacrifice to rear us, their ten children.
It was because of their example I had endurance to have fourteen children of my own.  My father was a farmer.  The land produced crops and fed animals.  I remember my father walking across a field scattering corn seed with a fiddle.  He did not have the modern machinery that ploughs up the ground, prepares it for the seed and then sows the seed all in a few days.
He arose early every morning to milk cows, “twenty four seven”.  My mother and father imageshared the work.  Mummy supplemented the income by rearing hens and selling the eggs.  As we their children grew up we helped with the work.  My parents educated all their ten children.
The event last week was a focus for some of my own children to return from far away to join the celebrations.  My son David called me two weeks before to tell me he was thinking of coming over from Canada to be there.  It would be an occasion when he and Jacquelyn could introduce their baby daughter Ava, now eight months to his brothers and sisters and extended family.  I was delighted and encouraged him to come.
God blessed his plans.  He was able to book flights that were affordable even at short notice and within the time frame of days he could get off work.  I met them at Dublin airport.  One year ago exactly Brendan and I stood in Dublin airport and waved goodbye to David and Jacquelyn as they left Ireland to settle in Canada.  They returned to these shores of Ireland last Thursday!  It was a day of joy!  They were with us for five full days.

Baby Ava met and played with her cousins, got nursed and shared around to willing arms to hold her.  David hung out with his brothers and sisters.  Jacquelyn met up with friends.

David and Jacquelyn are adjusting well to being young parents.  They lovingly care for Ava.  .  Last evening I found one of Ava’s bottles.  I shed a few tears.  I was missing David and his family.  I miss Jacquelyn up early in the kitchen preparing bottles of milk for Ava.  I miss my grandchild playing around on the floor.  I miss my son David.
But I have joy in knowing he is starting out in life to look after his own family.
Like my father and my husband he will be an excellent provider and protector for Jacquelyn and Ava.  Brendan and I got to see our grandchild Ava.
Grandchildren are the crown and glory of the aged.  Proverbs 17 v 6
We will see her again.

Testimony Tuesday. My Consultant Didn’t Want Me to have more Children.

Posted in Family Friday, Motherhood, My thoughts, Testimony Tuesday by

When I was expecting my eleventh child I attended my consultant for a routine check up.  After blood pressure was checked, temperature taken and weight checked he wanted to talk to me.  He went on to tell me there was a risk my baby could be born with a disability because I was now forty years old.  I refused to listen to him even though he was a respected consultant.  Many women spent lots of money to go privately and get his help at the their births.  I told him I believed in God and God would look after me and my baby.   If I had  shown any fear he would have offered me an abortion.  I changed doctors.  I found a Cathoilc lady doctor who didn’t judge me for having more children.

When I delivered my son Jacob another doctor suggested to me not to have any more children.  He said, “Your body is like a car, it will break down.”  I quickly responded, “No Doctor, God will renew my strength.  I went on to have three more children.  I was in my forties.  I didn’t always listen to the doctor.

My husband said every time I went into labour it was like having a revival meeting.  I would be calling on Jesus when I had a labour pain.  Having my son Aaron was the most memorable time for Brendan.  When I started in labour with Aaron we walked to the maternity home that was near where I lived.  It was like a home from home.  The midwives looked after the mothers.  The GP doctor would be in attendance when the baby was due to be born.   I was in labour all night.  The night nurses stayed on in the morning to see my baby born.  The night nurses and the new shift of nurses were all around my bed.  The doctor was in the background waiting.  The pains were getting intense.  The nurse asked me to lift up my leg.  I said “lift up The Lord “.  Everyone was embarressed.  Aaron was born to the sound of “Praise The Lord”.  He was a bouncy baby boy weighing in at ten pounds ten ounces.  Mother and baby were all well.  Brendan went home to get a rest.

Two people who worked in the Maternity Home became pregnant after my visit there.  One lady was a carer and another was a midwife. They were telling me when I returned to have my next child.

My consultant wasn’t the only one who wasn’t happy with me having many children.  Another doctor said on his notes “This unfortunate woman is pregnant again”.  That was when I was expecting Ruth, my seventh child!  Friends and family were fearful for me.  Thay thought something would happen to me if I continued having children.   I became afraid of what others thought.  I became pregnant with my eighth child.  I was afraid to tell anyone I was pregnant again.

Well meaning friends invited me out for coffee or to the gym.  They thought it would be good for me to get out for a time away from work at home with children.  I attended exercise classes with a friend.  I had never been to the gym before.   I still didn’t tell anyone I was pregnant.  At twelve weeks I had a miscarriage.  I lost my baby.  I could see the little human being of twelve weeks.  Brendan and I were sad.  Brendan took the  small baby and put it in a box.  He asked The Lord what to do.  The Lord told him to buy a grave and bury our child and to give our baby a name.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭13, 16‬ NIV)

Brendan bought a burial plot in the cemetery.  He took all of us there to bury our child.  All of our family gathered around as Brendan put the box in the soil.  We prayed a prayer , cried a little and went back to the car.  Brendan put the tape recorder on in the car.  It played a song by a New Zealand couple with the words in it, “All the days ordained for me were written in your book.”  We were all comforted by these words.  Our baby lived twelve weeks but God knew every day ordained for her.   My husband had a dream some time later.  God showed him our baby was a little girl and he called her Deirdre.  She was with The Lord in heaven.  I hope this is a comfort to other mothers who have had a miscarriage  or have had an abortion.  God is taking care for the little ones.  I will see my daughter in heaven. Like David when his son with Bathsheba died he said,

He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” (‭2 Samuel‬ ‭12‬:‭22-23‬ NIV)

After loosing my baby I told God I was very sorry for being fearful of what others thought of me being pregnant.  I told him I was sorry for going to the gym, which may have endangered my unborn baby. I realised that God is the author of life.  It was not within my own power to save my baby.  I had become blaze.  I was always healthy and my babies were healthy.  I determined never to be afraid of what others thought of me having children.  I was delivered from the fear of man. Doctors, friends and family can give advice,  but I want to obey God first.  He is my creator and helper.  I honor him.

David and Bathsheba had another son after their child died.  I became pregnant again and had my son Patrick.

Family Friday. People didn’t believe I had fourteen children

Posted in Family Friday, Motherhood, My thoughts, Prayer by

Prince William and Princess Catherine have a new baby girl.  Princess Catherine had no problem, it seems, giving birth.  She will be well cared for back in her own home with attendants at the ready.  Her departure from hospital happened very quickly before the media had time to catch their breath.

I remember my friend from India telling me how she celebrates her new grand children. She stays with her daughter for a month after the baby is born.  The new mother is not allowed out of bed to do any work.  The grandmother prepares lotion with herbs and essential oils to bath the new mother each day.  Special nutritious meals are prepared for the nursing mother.   After each feeding time the baby is settled by the grand mum, and the mother has time to sleep, rest and recover.  What a good start for any mum.  Well done.

Not only that, in middle class families in India each baby is given a servant to help look after the child as it grows up.   When I told the people in India I had fourteen children they did not believe me.  They asked “How many servants do you have?”  They just cannot imagine how I carried and gave birth to fourteen children, never mind rearing them.

Genesis says,

To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children.” (‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ NIV)

This pain was the result of Adam and Eve disobeying God and were deceived by Satan.  I want to believe in God and obey him.  Through believing in Jesus I do not have to suffer the severe pain in childbearing.

Many woman are afraid of giving birth.  They are afraid of the pain.  There is pain when one goes into labour.  When I went into labour I rejoiced because my pregnancy was over and within a few hours I would be holding a new baby.  Yes there is pain but there is joy ahead.  I looked to Jesus as my example, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.  He suffered terribly on the cross for me to forgive my sin, my sickness and the curse of having pain in child bearing.

When I started in labour the pains would come irregularly, maybe every half an hour.  I had pain in my lower back but did not need any pain relief.  If the pains would come every ten minutes I knew it was time to go to hospital.  As the pain got more severe, I would stop and take a deep breath.  I would continue going through the pain taking deep breaths until near the time of the baby was due to be born.

I would ask for gas and air which relieved the pains of the delivery contractions that helped the baby to be born.   I had to have a pain relief while in labour with my first child.  For all the rest I did not have pain relief,  an epidural or a ciscerian section.  All my children were born normally and I didn’t need stitches.  Most of my children were around ten pounds!  Isaac was twelve pounds in weight!   Praise God.

Oh the joy of a new baby being handed into my arms by the midwife.  Each time it was amazing to hold new, perfect life.  My heart was always full of thankfulness to my Heavenly Father who gave us a reward.  ” The fruit of the womb a reward.”

The Lord gave me the “Oil of Joy” Isaiah 61, each time I had a new baby.  My husband and children celebrated the new arrival.  We believe children are a blessing from The Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.  We received each child in the light of God’s word.  I didn’t have servants.  My children helped me.  Brendan made sure I had nutritious foods to strengthen me.

I have a plack in my home.  It reads “Have courage, Have children.” If you are afraid of having a child, ask God to help.  His love will drive away all fear.  He will help you through the pain.

Family Friday. Going to see Family in Scotland

Posted in Family Friday, Holiday, Motherhood, My thoughts, Prayer by

My daughter invited me over to visit with her in Scotland. We could spent some time together.  She duely booked flights for me.  I wanted to visit with three other of my children while I was over in Scotland.  My husband left on a trip the day before.  I was busy helping him get away.  Normally we travel together.

I took my time packing for my trip.  I travelled light.  I did not want to trail heavy luggage with me on and off the plane or on and off buses. I was travelling on my own. Brendan had typed out my boarding pass for the flight from Belfast to Edinburgh before he left on his trip.  He is good at any computer work that needs attention.  

I arrived at Belfast City Airport in good time.  Plans were going smoothly.  I was getting excited about my journey and looking forward to seeing my children living in Scotland.  I walked through to security check in as I already had my boarding pass.  As I handed my pass to the man in attendance I sensed I should have some other document.  It suddenly dawned on me that I had not brought my passport!  I could not get on the plane without my passport.

I stood to the side and let other passengers go on through to get their cases scanned.  I was in shock.  I had been so careful to make sure I had everything I needed in my case.  But I forgot my passport.  When Brendan and I travel he takes care of passports and boarding passes and any other business that makes our travels go smoothly, car parking arrangements, help with heavy luggage or a stay overnight in an hotel.  He is very faithful in the little details, so I don’t have to deal with them.  I was so thankful and appreciated Brendan’s help in the past.  I had taken his help for granted.

It was too late for anyone from home to bring my passport to the airport.  Normally we are advised to arrive at the airport in good time.  I know some people who arrive two hours before the flight is due to take off.  I had left no extra time.  I reviewed the situation , didn’t panic and was reconciled to the consequences of forgetting my passport.   I will return home.  I will not get to Scotland.  I was thankful I was not travelling on to a far off destination.  

I remembered back to Brendan’s story about the chicken and the eagle.  Did I want to remain in the farmyard.  No I began to praise God and pray for his help.  I decided to lift up my wings with praise and prayer. 

Just then I remembered “I might be able to use some other identification on the Flybe flight.”  I had a card with photo identification on it.  I asked the attendant if other ID can be accepted by the Flybe airline.  Yes other ID will be accepted.  I breathed a sigh of relief.  I proceeded through security to the gate for Edinburgh.  I was a happy traveller.  I had a big smile on my face.  

I went up to the gate to board the plane.  I presented my ID card.  The attendant just glanced at it.  She did not inspect it closely.  I took my seat on the plane.  It soon took off and I was soaring above the clouds like the eagle.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭30-31‬ NIV)

I looked up the in flight book for Flybe. I got a pleasant surprise to see Tara Lodge recommended as an hotel to stay at when in Belfast. My daughter is the Manager?

I was facing disappointment due to my own carelessness or lack of foresight in not checking if I had my passport.  Someone may say “Tough.  You need to learn a lesson.  Be better prepared. Why are you so stupid to forget your passport.”

The fact is I am not perfect.  I was trying to get away earlier under pressure with seeing to last minute details before I left home.  I did not forsee this difficulty.

But do you know God is merciful.  With him there is no disappointment.  I had no one to help me get away.  My husband had already left.  My Heavenly Father cared.  He makes a way when there is no way.

I remembered again.  I have an enemy the devil who wants to rob, steal and destroy.  He wanted to rob me of my trip to Scotland.  As I resisted him and trusted God I was not robbed.

Often we want to be in control of situations, trying to cover every possibility for mistakes.  But that leaves one in stress and always having to live up to high expectations.  Yes it is good to be prepared.  But I am not going to stress out if I make mistakes.  I could not live under that pressure.  I will do what I can and realise there is someone above me who will look after me, my Heavenly Father.  I am not in control.  I let him, the God of the universe be in control.

Think about it, do you control your life and others?  Relinquish control and trust God.  When one is in control a spirit of control can be operating and driving a person without him realising it.

I was not in control of my life when I was willing to have fourteen children. It is good to trust God and not be afraid of what life may throw at us.  He has been faithful to help me rear fourteen children.  He has healed me from fourth stage cancer.  Forgetting my passport did not end my trip.

Testimony Tuesday. My Son Patrick Nearly Drowns.

Posted in Family Friday, Motherhood, My thoughts, Prayer, Testimony Tuesday by

When some of my children were home for Easter we were recounting how some of them had near death experiences.  Here is an example of our son Patrick being saved from tragedy.

When our children were young, Brendan and I would take them out for a walk in the long summer evenings to tire them out before bedtime.  No one wants to go to bed when it is still daylight.  We would all climb into the minibus, teenagers to toddlers, all had to come along.  No time for individualism in our family.  When we went for a drive we all went for a drive.  When we went for a walk we all went for a walk.

We went to a  nearby marina along the river.  There was a play park there as well.  Children would take turns on swings, slides and roundabouts.  They sqealed with delight as they swung high on the swings.  Brendan and I could relax a little and chat,  knowing the older ones were looking out for the younger ones.

Aaron loved boats.  He  brought his canoe along with us to the river. He was paddling his canoe along the bank as the others played at the park.   He went off to inspect some boats that were parked at the marina.

Patrick followed him.  He was two years old at the time and often wanted to be around Aaron.  Next thing I knew Patrick was lying face down in the water with his little anorak puffed up with the water, his arms out and his wellingtons on his little feet.  Patrick was drowning.  Aaron was quick to act and grabbed hold of his wee brother.  We arrived to help.  We slapped him on the back to dislodge the water and helped him breath again. Only for Aaron’s quick response Patrick may have drowned.

We were all in shock at the thought of what could have happened to Patrick.  We returned in silence.  We got the children ready for bed and said our night prayers together.  We all thanked God for saving Patrick that evening.  

Brendan and I trusted God to protect our children. Psalm 91 says 

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; (‭Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭9-11‬ NIV)
The angels were busy that day.

Family Friday. Mother Duck said Quack Quack Come Back

Posted in Birds, Family Friday, Motherhood, My thoughts, Nature, Provision by

In my blogs recently I have been talking about birds. I get inspiration from them. Jesus told us to look at the Birds.  A good plug for going bird watching. I know a friend who was heart broken after her husband left her.  Part of her therapy to recover was to go bird watching.  She joined a local Bird Watching Club.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?  Matthew 6 v 25-27 NLT
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ NLT)

One of my sons has finished his training in Law.  He is home for the holidays.  I was urging him to return to Scotland after the holidays and apply for trainee jobs to get him to the next stage.  Getting a job is so competitive.  In my mother role I was getting annoyed and worried.  Scriptures say worry is a sin and I don’t want to sin.  So I have to stop worrying and pray.

After a good nights sleep my mind is changed.  I have to let my son decide for himself and not conimagetrol him.  I have to let him go.  I can advise but it is up to him what he does.  It was by making mistakes and suffering I learned about life and the right choices to make.  I cannot go back to seven years ago when I developed cancer.  I have to stay alive.

Part of the role of parents is to look after the children but then to let them go to start their own lives.  Around the time I developed  cancer,  I was finding it hard to cope with the lose in my life of children leaving home.  My heart was breaking.  I was suffering in silence.

My daughter shared a post with me. She is in Kenya at the moment. It is about a little girl singing the nursery rhyme,
Mother Duck and her little ones. As she finishes the rhyme she starts to cry. She must have been sad for the mother duck left alone.

Five little ducks went out one day
Over the hills and far away
Mother duck said “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
But only four little ducks came back.

Until
One little duck went out one day…
Over the hills and far away
Mother duck said “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
But none of the five little ducks came back

The internet says it is a nursery rhyme that teaches children to count backwards.  That may be so but the writer of this work had something else in mind I believe.

As children leave home one by one a mother feels the pain of her lose.  The mother and children spend time together when the children are young.  They go out to play together.  Then a day comes when one grows up and has to leave to go over the hills and far away.  Nowadays hills don’t just separate us . Oceans wide and deep separate us.

One by one the ducks go far away.  This has been so for me and my children.  My last little duck left two years ago.  My heart would have been broken if The Lord has not comforted me and healed me.  He has given me other work to do after rearing my children.

There is hope.  The last verse of the nursery rhyme goes,

Sad mother duck went out one day
Over the hills and far away
Mother duck said “QUACK! QUACK! QUACK! QUACK!”
And all of the five little ducks came back.

I think of a verse from the scriptures often.

This is what The Lord says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” This is what the Lord says: “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” declares the Lord. “They will return.” (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭15-16‬ NIV)

Don’t cry mothers out there.  The Lord will reward your work. Like mother duck the young will return.