one about mothering

I'm re-reading sections of Noel Piper's book Faithful Women and their Extraordinary God.

Ahn Ei Sook was faithful in suffering. . .

In 1939 the Japanese occupied Korea and shinto shrines were built in every city and village.

Ei Sook, a young school teacher, a Korean follower of Jesus, refused to bow and worship at the shrines.

During a school trip to a public shrine, only Ei Sook stood while others worshipped. . .and Ei Sook knew she was a marked woman, marked for arrest- probably death; the thought of pending torture terrified her.

Ei Sook's testimony is compelling-but I keep thinking about Ei Sook's mother. . .for I'm a mother.

this mother raised her child alone, in a hostile environment, teaching her daughter to fear the Lord.

and when it came time for her daughter to suffer for Jesus, this mother kept teaching. . .

Noel Piper writes, "Her mother knew Ei Sook's weakness. But she also knew the strength of God, and so she did not try to shield Ei Sook from suffering. Rather, she helped her prepare for it." (I'm tempted to shield rather than prepare!)

and in Ei Sook's words, I always felt strengthened when I talked with Mother about God and His love.

hmmm, I want to be like that mother. . .a worthy pursuit, don't you agree?