1770 found this country and many of its citizens precariously drawn between loyalty to the Crown and the God-given liberties burning within their breasts. Thomas Paine wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls." Tried they were, from a monarchy issuing countless abuses and regulations an ocean away. I realized today that that year saw the following ladies of liberty at rather tender ages:
Abigail Smith Adams, wife of John Adams--25 years old
Martha Washington, wife of George Washington--39 years old
Martha Jefferson, wife of Thomas Jefferson--21 years old
Elizabeth Wells Adams, second wife of Samuel Adams--35 years old
These were not women of the world--they were nurturing, supportive wives and mothers who held down their homesteads allowing their husbands as John Adams said to, "study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy."
These women farmed the land, fled mobbers, bore children, buried children, sewed clothes for the naked, housed the sick, taught their children, educated themselves on the day's issues, fought off disease with broomsticks and brushes, on and on and on. . . basically they, "fixed it up, wore it out, made it do, or did without" to the last possible measure.
They were strong. And they were gentle. They rocked the adversary's kingdom while rocking their babes cradles. They silenced the foe and paved the way for the establishment of this most blessed nation with lullabies and prayers. God bless them forever for it.
I am so grateful that I have their example to look to as we face these times that try our souls. Satan knows if he gets the girl he wins because, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world" (William Ross Wallace).
"The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity."
-Margaret D. Naudald
We are going to win the war with lullabies and prayers.
4 comments:
have to tell you, i've been reading since your stay in the hospital. following your journey. tears over my keyboard for your baby and you. grateful that you are enduring so well, and looking for the light and blessings that we all receive.
you are an inspiration that we can do hard things.
i really loved your post today.
and i agree, we will win the war with lullabies and prayer (and lots of hugs and kisses)
cheers to finding joy and life and the sweet smiles and laughs of our little ones.
i admire you.
megan
So beautifully written, Hillary.
I think (with your permission) that I would like to send this to Glen Beck. What do you think?
Hey Hillary! It's Irene, down in G-ville! I have to admit that I've been completely out of the blogging loop for some time (haven't even updated my blog in like months) Anyhow, just decided to check on you the other day and was overwhelmed with all that you and your family have been through these past few months. I am so sorry for your loss; words cannot express. But I am also so amazed at your grace and strength in working through your grief. Your testimony and words have been such an inspiration and I have been blessed and humbled just reading through your posts. You are a special and elect lady. Know that you and your family have been in our prayers and that we think of you often and send all our love out to you.
It was so good seeing you yesterday. I wish I could've stayed overnight and I would've if my mom didn't have to work. I thought about how we could've had girl talk all night like two teenagers! (Or just fallen asleep like two tired moms...) We really have to get together again. I loved this post too. I was reading this article about the Afghan Midwifery project - it's this group run by former American women soldiers that are trying to help young pregnant Afghan girls have healthy deliveries by opening safe clinics. But it's so crazy. Women are just like cattle out there and they all say after being in the clinic, "We never knew Americans were good people. Now we realize our husbands are wrong..." and it just makes you think - if we spent more resources helping the women of these countries, soon they would raise their kids with these righteous beliefs and the world would be such a better place! It all starts with the righteous women! THAT'S the way we should be fighting terrorism.
Post a Comment