I'm Thankful for...... [DAY1]

The bravest battle that ever was fought!

Shall I tell you where and when?

On the maps of the world you will find it not;

'Twas fought by the mothers of men.

Nay not with the cannon of battle-shot,

With a sword or noble pen;

Nay, not with eloquent words or thought

From mouth of wonderful men!

But deep in a walled-up woman's heart --

Of a woman that would not yield,

But bravely, silently bore her part --

Lo, there is the battlefield!

No marshaling troops, no bivouac song,

No banner to gleam and wave;

But oh! those battles, they last so long --

From babyhood to the grave.

Yet, faithful still as a bridge of stars,

She fights in her walled-up town --

Fights on and on in her endless wars,

Then silent, unseen, goes down.

Oh, ye with banners and battle-shot,

And soldiers to shout and praise!

I tell you the kingliest victories fought

Were fought in those silent ways.

-- Joaquin Miller (1839-1913) 

She fought upon her knees for me,

Then carefully chose each word she'd say.

My mother, girded, stood to fight-- 

My war against my flesh today. 

When conquered, seeking to do wrong, 

her wandering child she found--  

She drew her sword and in my place--

She stood upon my battle ground. 

As she fought she also taught, 

And slowly, I too learned to stand-- 

And face the enemy of my soul, 

My Sword held in my hand.

Glory to God for mothers who--

Sound forth their faithful battle cry,

Rallied 'round the cross of Christ--

Pray'n "save my child or let me die."

--Bethmarie 2012

Thank you God for Mothers!