P.S. Snips and Whit

Suzanne recently wrote a book review for a newly organized book club created by podcasters, Penny & Sam @podcast: Backpack Chit Chat. This is a super cool and informative podcast from two moms who are teachers with a lot in common, and plenty to share. Their tips and advice can help you throughout your journey as a teacher and/or mom. 

In January 2023, the podcast added a book club! If you would like to join, send an email to backpackchitchat@gmail.com and they will add you to the email list. You will also be able to ask questions and add your thoughts and take on each chapter.

The first book of study is The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak, written by Shannon Bream. The book is full of lessons on faith from nine Biblical families. You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Chapter 4 – Rebekah

The biblical description of the union of Isaac & Rebekah is beautiful and miraculous.

The prayers Abraham prayed for his son’s future wife were intentional and specific. The servant followed detailed instructions and was meticulous in his own prayers to God in making sure he picked the right girl. God proved Himself again in His promises and his faithfulness to Abraham. Rebekah was God’s chosen lady for the position.

The stage was set for these two newly-weds to have a blessed life together. As their story unfolds we learn they dealt with life struggles similar to our own. After twenty years of infertility, that no doubt brought sadness and stress to their relationship, God gives children to Isaac and Rebekah.

Though unclear when, dysfunction shows up in this family unit. We read that Esau becomes Dad’s favorite and Jacob, Mom’s. This scenario never ends well. I do not understand how this happens in families, nevertheless, I have witnessed it. At what point did small disagreements between mom and dad become a large gulf, ever-widening as the story continues on a downward, unhealthy path?

It seems as though Rebekah no longer believes the God who worked miraculously in her marriage arrangement and through her infertility could possibly know what would be best for her sons. Nor could He create and bring to pass the perfect plan for Esau and Jacob’s future.

As mothers we are instructed to teach and train our children in the ways of God and His ultimate calling for their lives. But failure to realize that lying, cheating, and manipulating to advance our children to a better position will only bring shame and disgrace.

It may seem to have worked for a while. Jacob did get the coveted blessing from his father but it came with the unimaginable pain of a mother sending one son away from home to keep the other son from taking his life. How sad the hatred between these brothers had been fueled by their mother. What seemed to be the perfect cover-up backfired. The family as a whole suffered greatly.

Sometimes it may be years before the truth comes to light but the Bible tells us it will and that is that!

God’s wisdom is unmatched. His ways and plans for us are so much bigger and better than our small minds can comprehend.

So prayerfully consider; Am I honoring or dishonoring God as I surrender my children’s future to Him? Am I allowing His plans to come to fruition on His timetable?