I would like to tell you about a gem of a book. It’s called Home-Making it was written by Reverend J.R. Miller way back in 1892. This is what I call, “An oldie, but a goodie.”
In this book Rev. Miller explores what a Christian home should be like. He starts by addressing married life. He says, “Back of the home lies marriage. The wedding day throws it’s shadow far down the future.” In other words, the foundation of a Christian family and a Christian home begins with the marriage of mom and dad. He talks about the sacredness and oneness of this relationship. He stresses the importance of being courteous to one another. It’s quite different from what we read about marriage today. I found this first chapter to be both enlightening and refreshing.
He then goes on to discuss the different roles of each family member. He talks about how the father should be gentle and affectionate. Absent is the “Macho man” image that is now prevalent in our society. He says that a man’s role as husband and father is to “To cherish, to shelter and to bless.”
He talks about the important role of wife and mother. He says, “Every true wife makes her husband’s interest her own.” Wow! I haven’t seen that topic on any covers in the grocery line lately. Have you?
He addresses the role of parents, and about how parents have the privilege of shaping and training their children’s character. Children are not a burden or merely a responsibility. They are a true blessing!
He speaks of the importance of tenderness and love between siblings. He encourages brothers and sisters to support one another and to be each other’s dearest friends.
Towards the end of the book he talks about the importance of a good home life and how to attain it.
In the chapter called Religion in the Home he gives advice about how parents can teach their children to love the Bible and to love prayer.
The very last chapter is about creating memories. This is rather a trendy topic nowadays! He eloquently states that memories of a happy Christ-centered home will “Make music in the heart in it’s last moment inspiring as the songs of angels.”
I recommend this book for its beauty, it’s boldness and it’s simplicity. You may not agree with all of it’s points but I guarantee that you will not close this book without being inspired.