A New England father hoped...
Illustration
A New England father hoped that he would have a family of sons who would grow up to become preachers. The first child, the second child and the third were sons who did eventually become ministers. The father was very proud of his sons, especially as they became quite influential in the spiritual life of the people of the New England area.
However, the fourth child to arrive was a girl, and the father had to change the name he had chosen from Harry to Harriet. He was disappointed that he would not be able to add another voice of spiritual influence to his family list.
As we reflect back upon the children of that family today, we would probably say that the daughter brought forth a greater influence upon this nation than did the sons. Harriet became a different kind of preacher as she cried out regarding slavery, "God, can't we do something?" The result was that Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin, and the influence of that book is well documented in American history. None other than Abraham Lincoln acknowledged the influence of her words.
This young lady was committed to serving God and wanted to do everything she could to bring about change for good. Each one of us needs to have a similar type of commitment today.
--Dessem
However, the fourth child to arrive was a girl, and the father had to change the name he had chosen from Harry to Harriet. He was disappointed that he would not be able to add another voice of spiritual influence to his family list.
As we reflect back upon the children of that family today, we would probably say that the daughter brought forth a greater influence upon this nation than did the sons. Harriet became a different kind of preacher as she cried out regarding slavery, "God, can't we do something?" The result was that Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin, and the influence of that book is well documented in American history. None other than Abraham Lincoln acknowledged the influence of her words.
This young lady was committed to serving God and wanted to do everything she could to bring about change for good. Each one of us needs to have a similar type of commitment today.
--Dessem
