The king upon his throne has no higher work than has the mother. The mother is queen of her household. She has in her power the molding of her children’s characters, that they may be fitted for the higher, immortal life. An angel could not ask for a higher mission; for in doing this work she is doing service for God. Let her only realize the high character of her task, and it will inspire her with courage. Let her realize the worth of her work and put on the whole armor of God, that she may resist the temptation to conform to the world’s standard. Her work is for time and for eternity.”*
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her” (Prov. 31:28).
* Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home (Nashville: Southern Pub. Assn., 1952), pp. 231, 232.
Poem
Prayer
By Sarah Gane Burton
I am heartsore inside my everyday bones that creak and crack, bent over cartilage frame still fusing together. She is growing at a rate I cannot measure in steps and words and sounds and thoughts she has not uttered or explained. I am heartsore for the infant child who is now toddler child who will never again be a newborn in arms.
I am heartsore knowing she will fall someday and I will not be there to pick her up and kiss her broken skin and soothe her wounded pride.
I am heartsore over the words that will come flying from the mouths of others, missiles of anger and unkindness aimed at her loving heart.
I will myself to live beyond, to transport my soul to all the places I cannot be. But my soul only reaches so far within the confines of my body before it meets the resistance of muscle and bone.
I cannot protect her forever.
Promise me that You will.
Sarah Gane Burton holds an M.A. in Religion from Andrews University. She is a freelance writer based in Berrien Springs, Michigan, where she lives with her husband, Kevin, and their two children.
Acrylic Painting
Mother’s Love
By Chileuwa Chiemela Chinahu
Mother’s Love
She carries galaxies within her womb,
A universe of hope, a life in bloom.
Stars align where her heartbeat sings,
Cradling dreams on celestial wings.
She stands with strength, soft yet bold,
A story of love in whispers told.
Her touch, a light in midnight skies,
A lullaby where sorrow dies.
Through storms and nights so vast and deep,
She guards her child, no need for sleep.
For in her arms the cosmos sways,
A love unbroken, beyond all days.
Chileuwa Chiemela Chinahu, a Nigerian artist specializing in realistic and surrealistic art, uses various mediums to express emotions and convey powerful messages. Recognized for his talent by Channels Television and multiple exhibitions, he has won awards, created art for notable figures, and continues to inspire through his work and artistic journey. Instagram: @chisart_official | Facebook: Chi’s_Art_Official