The Christian home

So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” – 1 Samuel 1:20

Up to the time of this writing, I have not seen the video of a child or children in one of the Government’s homes for children being severely beaten by the home’s caretakers. However, I have listened to snitches of condemnation of the same, and just a day or so ago as I was about to get a shopping trolley at a local food market, my disabled friend whom I haven’t seen in ages was nearby and like a scene straight from Hollywood began to tell me a story associated with the incident. Wow!

Since I too was once a child and grew up in the “hood” I can tell many stories that would conclude in many instances, the life of a child was not an easy walk in the park.

Indeed, there are stories to be told to the nation that would turn their hearts to the right – and the times in which we live that came upon this planet because of the pandemic, it would take the strong to survive. Strong in resolve that no matter the hindrances and financial devastation, minds are made up that faith in God is our survival kit.

This first book of Samuel opens up with a polygamous family – two wives and one husband.  Elkanah, an honorable and devout man of the tribe of Levi; Hannah, his first wife but childless; and Peninnah, his second wife and the mother of several sons and daughters. Every year Elkanah would take the family to Shiloh, the seat of the Tabernacle to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. On these occasions, Elkanah would give Hannah double portions of the sacrificial feast even though Peninnah had her children.

One need not to be a rocket scientist – such a situation is a bundle of discord and Peninnah took every opportunity to taunt Hannah about her childlessness. The scripture records, “Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.”

Hannah did not go the bush doctor or to Mama Lou with strange devices, but she went to the temple and poured out her heart’s desire to the Lord. The priest, Eli, not being able to understand the feeling of her infirmities, labeled and scolded her as a drunk; but he soon enough saw that he had committed a serious blunder that Hannah was no drunk, but a woman with a sorrowful heart. He told her to return to her home in peace and pray that God grant her petition.

In due time, Hannah gave birth to a son and she called him Samuel, saying “Because I asked the Lord for him”. Because of what God had done for Hannah she gave Samuel to the priest to be used for the honor and glory of God.

As women and mothers, are we asking God for our wombs to be blessed with children that would be blessings to our nation, the kingdom of God and society? Or, are we too busy planning showers and preparing rooms for the unborn and at the same time taunting others? If we want a better and not bitter society, then I share with you dear and faithful readers the hymn as written by Baylus B. Mckinney.

“God give us Christian homes! Homes where the Bible is loved and taught, Homes where the Master’s will is sought, Homes crowned with beauty Your love has wrought; God give us Christian homes; God give us Christian homes!

“God give us Christian homes! Homes where the father is true and strong, Homes that are free from the blight of wrong, Homes that are joyous with love and song; God give us Christian homes; God give us Christian homes!

“God give us Christian homes! Homes where the mother in caring quest, Strives to show others Your way is best, Homes where the Lord is an honored guest; God give us Christian homes; God give us Christian homes!

“God give us Christian homes! Homes where the children are led to know Christ in His beauty who loves them so. Homes where the altar fires burn and glow; God give us Christian homes; God give us Christian homes!”

Almighty Father hear our prayer and grant us thy peace.

• E-mail haystreet241@gmail.com or rubyanndarling@yahoo.com. Write to P.O. Box 19725 SS Nassau, Bahamas, with your prayer requests, concerns and comments. God’s blessings. 

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