Amish Women~

I recently read a book about Amish women titled  "Amish Women Lives and Stories" by Louise Stoltzfus.  It was a bit different in that it centered on several women and showed their likes, dislikes, heartaches, blessings, etc.  I really like one quote from their pastor:

In the warm, lilting, singsong cadence of Amish preachers, he spoke about personal responsibility in the church.  At one point, Esther says, he paused to ask the question, "Who has the most important role in the church?  The deacon?  The minister?  The bishop?"

Turning to face the side of the room where most of the women were seated, he proclaimed, "No, it is not the deacon, the minister, or the bishop; it is the mothers with babies on their laps who have the most important task in our church."  A hush fell over the already quiet room.

Mothers with babies on their laps snuggled them a bit closer.

Fathers nodded their heads ever so slightly.

Grandmothers dabbed at their eyes with handkerchiefs.

It was a special blessing to hear a church leader give colloquial voice, during what is usually a formal presentation, to this fundamental truth of Amish faith and understanding.  The family is central.  To be a mother is a high and holy calling.

Home is a place of life and hope.

A place to nurture and hold children.

A place to ensure posterity and success.

Perhaps it is the often quoted proverb from the writings of David, the psalmist, which best describes how most Amish feel about family life: "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is the Lord's reward.  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  Happy is the one who has his quiver full of them." 

picture from allposters.com