Today is “Baby Day” on Doug’s Blog—a day dedicated to sharing news and stories of the blessedness of marriage and the fruitful womb. This leads me to share one of the most precious stories in my own personal experience. Here is a little background:

The other year my own beloved mother, Peggy Phillips, was named “Homemaker of the Year.” The award was a prestigious honor presented by Phyllis Schlafly of Eagle Forum and given to a woman who has crowned her life with humility and honor. I shared the story of my mother, the wonderful biblical virtues that she has modeled, and her precious influence on the lives of each of her children in my August 8, 2005 blog post, “Peggy Phillips Named Homemaker of the Year.” One of the stories which was shared on that occasion beautifully captures the heart of a woman who dearly and desperately loves children, and who sees their potential to change the world:

My mother was in her late forties when she had her last child. She even attended her 25th college reunion when she was about nine months pregnant with my younger brother Samuel (who turned 21 this week!). Imagine the shock surprise—and the comments.

Well—many mothers who have allowed their wombs to be fruitful for the glory of God, and who have been blessed with the gift of children, know what it is like to be pummeled with comments and questions. One day my dear mother, then large with child, was confronted by one such critic. I will share the two most important lines of the conversation

Critic to Mrs. Howard Phillips: “You’re having another baby. Don’t you know that the world has too many children already?”

Mrs. Howard Phillips: “The world is in need of my children.”

That sums it up. Thank God for mothers who see the potential for changing the world which lies in the lives of the children God gives them.

Christian mothers and fathers, listen to Peggy Phillips—the world needs your children!