Simple Faith

Posted on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 04:09

For the last three centuries, American women have been defying the odds in so many ways!  Many came from other lands to build homes and families on these shores with little more than faith and resolve.  Yet, they trusted God, and they stood on their faith , when all around them said there was no way for them to make a life here.  Because of their belief, we can call this country "home."

For the last two years, I have been writing simple stories about a fictionalized woman of faith named Matilda Moray for Pumpkin, and thought I might share one with you.  I hope you will enjoy it.

Simple Faith

Matilda Moray is the wife of Jacob.  They have three sons, Micheal, Matthew and Elijah, and two daughters, Sally and Mary.  They are a simple family of the plains and face many trials, but always with wit, wisdom and faith.

Matilda stood over the firplace one bright and cold winter morning, stirring a cast-iron pot with a wooden spoon.  "Come and eat, family," she said, "Porridge is ready."  Almost immediately, boys and girls, ranging in age from six to seventeen, emerged from corners and rooms.  Like a parade they filed into the room, reaching for the trenchers as they passed.

Matilda had been up since long before dawn, making bread and soaking the oats for the morning meal.  As her family slummbered, she went about her work with a ferocity, but with prayer and gentle spirit.  Slow to speak, but always kind and generous, she was a simple woman, with a simple mission.  To live her life in Godly fashion, raise her children thusly, and one day, meet her Savior.

Jacob was out in the barn, fetching milk, and feeding the animals, but he would soon arrive, hungry and already tired from three hours of long hard labor.  Both of the elder Moray family members worked from before dawn to long after dusk.  Yet, there were seldom complaints heard from either of them.  Such was their life, and they were glad of it.

The children were a lively bunch.  Heads varied in shades of true red to deep brown, but all had their momma's sparkling green eyes.  Smiles creased their faces readily and gentle hearts were their greatest asset.  But, on this particular morning, Sally was too quiet.  Something was just not right, and well her momma knew it. 

In lumbered Jacob, pail of milk in hand, huge smile on his weathered face. "Good morning to you all, children, and how are you this cold morn?'  he asked, depositing the pail on the planks that served as a counter.  The loud chorus of "Good morning, Poppa," greeted his ears like the most beautiful of songs.  Mighty thanksgiving flowed in this man's heart, as he glanced at each of his blessings in turn. 

Matilda, planting a warm kiss on his whiskered cheek, sat and as prayers were said, she gave her own thougths to thanksgiving.  Soon, the children had eaten, received their daily chore list, and were scattered about.   Matilda now stood gazing from the one window the house possesed across the yard to the white feilds that lay in neat rows in front of the house. 

She noticed Sally, who stood quiet and still, looking out toward the fields as well.  Matilda gathered her shawl and bonnet, and walked toward the door.  "Lord," she prayed silently, "please give me wisdom today."  Crunching through the snow that covered the ground, she walked toward Sally, noticing how much she had grown in the last few months.  She was a beautiful girl, and her long red hair whipped in the wind.  "Come and talk, child." Matilda said, as she reached her side.  Sally laid her head on her mothers shoulder, and arm in arm, they traveled the short distance back to the house.

As Sally took their wraps and hung them to dry from the snowflakes, she glanced at her mother, who rested quietly in the one chair that graced the room.  "Momma, I have been thinking on some things lately, " she said in her quiet way. 

"Yes?"

"Do you think that it is right that I am the  oldest, yet I do none of the really hard work on the farm?  I am let to milk the cows, and work in the garden, but it is Micheal and Matthew who help Poppa the most.  I do not think that is fair.  I am only a girl I know, but I am strong and I can learn." 

Matilada sat for a few moments, wondering how she should respond to that.  Sally had always been such a help.  She worked almost as hard as her momma, and she was the first to offer assistance, when it was needed.  As she pondered, she looked at her lovely daughter.  Such earnest worry shown from her face like light.  "Sally, now you tell me, what has brought this worry on, girl?"

Sally ran to her mother, burying her face in her lap, as she had done when she was a small child.  "Oh, Momma, I am just so frightened!  I heard you and Poppa talking the other night.  Poppa said he wasn't going to be able to do it all this year, and that there was no money to hire help.  If I don't help him, who will?  How will we be able to raise enough crops to feed the family?'

Matlida wrapped her arms around her daughter.  "Hush now, hush.  Don't you remember what the Bible says to do when you are worried?  Cast all your cares on Him."  Sally gazed into her mother's eyes, tears running down her face.  "I remember, Momma.  But, sometimes it is just so hard to believe it."  Matilda soothed her child's worried brow with work-worn hands. "Well, you just wait and see,  God has a plan." Matilda, never one to sit for long, kissed her daughter, and rose from the chair.  " It is time we were about our work.  No more worries now.  Trust in the Lord, for he knows the plans he has for you, and for us all, Plans for your good and not evil."  So, off they went, Sally less burdened, but still deep in thought., and her mother, heart and eyes set firmly on the promise of her Lord, simple faith in action.

Several months later, Matilda and Sally stood side by side, marveling at the beautiful green fields.  Rows of corn and wheat stood waving in the gentle breeze.  More than enough to feed them, there was even some to sell for cash money to buy new material and things for the house. Sally turned to her mother, and spoke softly. "Momma, you were right.  God did have a plan."  A few moments later, she turned from her mother's side to answer the voice of her new husband, Daniel.

For you see, on the very day when Sally had spoken to her mother about her fears, a few hours later, a knock had sounded at the door.  When Matilda had opened it, there stood the answer to prayer, though she was not to learn it until some hours later.  Daniel had happened upon their place, cold and hungry.  A strong young man, filled with the love of God, but with no place to call his own.  But, the Lord had known just where to send him, hadn't he?

The Lord had met their needs, as He always did. 

Enjoyed the story!

Posted by fcusick on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 02:55 - Link

Thank you for sharing! Great Story!

Blessings,
Flossie

Wonderful!

Posted by pinkhorseofcourse on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 04:41 - Link

Thank you for sharing!!

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Posted by Sher on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 09:19 - Link

Loved your story and the ending! You have a wonderful way with words!

May today hold many joys and blessings for you and yours! Sher

PS. Your doll collection is amazing and the cutest "doll" is your very own "Pumpkin"! Ü Thanks for sharing pics with us!

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Posted by tractorchick72 on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 11:13 - Link

What a wonderful story! Have a great day!

Tricia