186. The Mother
Today’s reading: “The Ministry of Healing” pp. 371-372a.
Ellen points out that all three restoration areas (body, mind and character) of the parents are reproduced “to a greater or less degree” in their children.
Fathers and mothers need to understand their responsibility.
Especially does responsibility rest upon the mother. She, by whose lifeblood the child is nourished and its physical frame built up, imparts to it also mental and spiritual influences that tend to the shaping of mind and character.
She suggests that before the birth of the child, and maybe even conception, parents should prepare, cultivating “that which is best in themselves,” physically, mentally and spiritually by,
- refusing to indulge appetite and passion
- improving their mind
- overcoming temptation to “selfish and sensual pleasures”
Three examples of mothers who succeeded in “shaping the mind and character” of their children are,
- Jochebed, who gave Moses a fearless faith
- Hannah, who gave Samuel closeness to God, honesty and the ability to teach
- Elisabeth, who gave John his piety and clarity to herald Christ.
The rest of the chapter expands on these influences mothers have on their children.
Index to “The Ministry of Healing” readings.
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