Thursday, August 27, 2009

And It Makes Me Wonder

"When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by men, or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more than what happened in congresses?"
~Neal A. Maxwell

11 comments:

Susan Anderson said...

I love Elder Maxwell. He is one of my all-time favorites.

Of course, it is my sincere hope that, when all is said and done, the lullabies and peacemaking and kitchens and cradles will be the prevailing story.

On second thought, it's more than a hope. It's a belief. I believe that they will.

Amy said...

What a beautiful sentiment! I absolutely love that quote, and it is my opinion that what happens in the home will be much more noted than what went on in congress.

jen said...

Considering how the political atmosphere of our country is currently evolving, I certainly hope that the efforts I put in at home are more productive.
But it's hard to keep in perspective how important our home lives are when the national scene is in such uproar.
Been brooding about this, actually . . .

karen said...

I've always loved that quote. It gives me great hope.

caitsmom said...

I love the phrase, "the shaping sounds of lullabies." If only all would choose soothing song made by the flesh of vocal chords and loving intentions of hearts. . . Thanks for sharing this. Peace.

Unknown said...

Oh, I love this quote. It also puts a lot of pressure on me as a mom. Since those things of home have the most influence...I am under the gun to provide that. I hope when it's all said and done that I'll be able to say I was a peacemaker.

Kiera said...

I have always been a firm believer that Motherhood is the greatest call one could hold. I look at the amazing spirits God has seen fit to bless Marc and I with. I am knocked to my knees humbled. Somedays I wish Re-Do's were possible. I wish I knew what I know now as a mother when Jordie came to our family. I wish maturity didn't come with time and that patience came in abundance when I was young mother. I hope each day I am teaching my children how to parent their children themselves when they are grown. I see Jordie already a better mother than I. Maybe we are doing it right...

Em said...

you're making me think about the fact that most of the important figures to pass away are never recognized.

SnarkyMama said...

I look at my grown children and I know, no matter how rocky the cradle or humble my kitchen, Elder Maxwell is right.

I know what has prevailed are the strengths and testimonies gained in our home, the ones that have guided their paths to becoming the mother, father, and future father they are today.....

I will take the influences of a strong father who loves the mother of his children and a loving nurturing mother who honors the father of her children over any other influence.

And for those mothers or fathers who do not have the blessing of that support, I will take any parent who believes the future of their child is far greater than the past or future of the parent...

And as another great man said, "No other success can compensate for failure in the home."

But, that's just me...:)
Love you, Snarky Belle

Gretchen said...

Really a beautiful quote.

Fiauna said...

What a wonderful, beautiful, and inspiring quote. Thank you for sharing it.