Recently, I saw ‘Mom’ Winans ministering in songs on an International TV network. I was more than pleasantly surprised that she could still sing so well at her age. SHE IS 76 YEARS! And to think that she was going to feature on the programme every day for 5 days…Wow! I remember seeing her a few years ago on the same TV network ministering with her husband ‘Pop’ Winans, before his home going.
Just in case you don’t know her, she is the matriarch of the Winans’ dynasty. She lived with her husband for 56 years till his death. They had 10 children and 23 grandchildren, almost all involved one way or the other in the gospel of the kingdom. The kids that did not end up as pastors became music ministers. The second generation of children have also followed in these steps. The dynasty can boast of 18 Grammy awards.
I could not help but wonder aloud how she managed to raise 10 kids and to raise them as Christians. That’s no mean feat. I did some background check and I wouldn’t say that I was surprised at what I found out. In her own words, “…I was taught of His Word on how to be a wife and a mother to my children. Without His Word, I wouldn’t have made it. So I thank God we were able to teach them the Word of the Lord”.
Still in the ‘wonderland’, I entered into fast-forward mode. 40 years from now, looking back at my kids, will I be able to stand with that sense of fulfilment and satisfaction, knowing that I have raised kids who are fit for the Master’s use; vessels unto honour; light in a dark world; worthy examples among believers and God pleasers.
What my kids will eventually end up as depends on the foundation that I lay today. Those little things that I’m doing now will ultimately add up. And of course I have to walk the talk. My life must mirror the life that I want for them. I can’t afford to wait till they are ‘old enough’. The work starts right now! Whatever pattern I display is the pattern they will display and that is what they will probably hand over to their kids. Of course I will be accountable before God because my family is my first ministry.
Like Mom said, there’s no better material for that foundation than the Word of God. Teaching them the Word and more importantly living by the Word as an example is a sure way to get them off on the right track. I remember an adage that says that as the nanny goat chews away on the vegetation, the kid will be moving its mouth in the same manner even if it is empty. Your acts paint a lasting picture in the minds of those children, so watch it. You are already building their future.
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