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“There is no better way to soothe a child’s cries than with a lullaby.”


A thought by Leonard Sweet, (2014-02-21) from his book, The Well-Played Life: Why Pleasing God Doesn't Have to Be Such Hard Work (p. 129). Tyndale Momentum. Kindle Edition.

A couple of weekends back, my wife, Margaret and I were in Florida celebrating my mom’s 90th birthday.  It was such a very special time with our family and extended family.  I will remember the varied meaningful conversations that I had with all of the family members.

Our last night there Connie, my sister and Margaret and I had one of those very meaningful times with my mom.  At one point we were thinking of the significant times every night that Connie and I had with Mom.  Before we went to sleep we would pray together and then we would sing the lullaby, “Now I lay me down to sleep…” and Connie and I sang that together there in Clermont, Florida for the first time in over 45 years.  That was a very, very meaningful time that even now brings deep emotion to me. 

Leonard says, “Many of our most beloved nursery rhymes are plays on period fears, such as the rampage of Bloody Mary in “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary,” or the ravage of the Black Plague in “Ring around the Rosie.” But the soothing melody of the song and lulling rhythm not only evoke endorphins but infuse a subliminal message that suggests, even during the most difficult times, we are safe within our parents’ arms. Even more so in God’s arms.” 

And our nightly sung song had one of those lines, “…And if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take..” that some would shy away from having their children sing before they went to sleep.  But the reality is we had built within us the assurance that no matter what we would go through even the worst of times God would be there ready to take care of us.  

Thanks, mom for building within us the assurance that God loves us even as little children and will be there to take care of us.  I wouldn’t be here spiritually if it wasn’t for my mom.  God is so good.

So do you need a lullaby right now?
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  1. Bringing Bitchy BackApril 1, 2014 at 9:36 AM

    I never really thought about nursery rhymes being based on something negative. It amazes me how we can be comforted by the soothing sound and touch of our parents. It took me a while, but I now feel that comfort from God as well. Wonderful post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bill WilliamsApril 1, 2014 at 11:28 AM

    Thanks, Jamie for the read and the comment.

    ReplyDelete

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