I would like to take this opportunity to salute all the farm women of America. This has become very evident on the Malick farm in recent days.
Since my husband’s heart attack on May 6, it has been a struggle to get the field work done and the seeds in the ground. My husband tried to disc a field to prepare the soil for planting, but bouncing over the rough fields caused his chest to ache. That’s probably not something that he should be doing right now. On a side note, he is doing well though. It just takes time to heal.
Yes, the other men of the family have stepped up to help with some things, but they have their regular 40-hour jobs to do first along with end of school year activities. It just seems that life is very full for everyone.
This is when the womenfolk step in. I am so proud of my daughters and daughters-in-law. If something needs to be done, they jump right in to help.
The other day our daughter-in-law was hauling seed bags to the plant to fill them up. Those bags take some good muscle to load and unload. She did so without complaint.
Today our daughter helped unload the chicken food from the back of the truck. The food has been there since last week. Either farming or weather conditions kept the food from getting unloaded. There are more bags to empty into the metal cans, but hopefully the men of the family can handle the rest today. It’s 1,000 pounds of food and 200 pounds are already done thanks to the strong farm daughter.
I try to help as much as possible. I know our farm son was scraping the bottom of the barrel when he asked me to help hitch something to the tractor. Not only did I need to place the pin in the holes, but I had to use my foot to lift the tongue of the implement so it would go into the tractor’s hitch. That was a balancing act. But we were successful and our son was off to work in the field.
These are just simple examples of what farm women do. I know many farm women work much harder on their farms. Not only do they rock the cradle and care for the household chores, but they sling the muck, milk the cow, slop the pigs, care for other farm animals, do the financial books, feed the work crews, and still find time to serve God and their community in other responsibilities.
In my opinion, farm women are the backbone of America. And to each of you, I honor you today and every day. Thank you for helping to feed America.
Gail loves the Lord most of all. She delights in her calling to be a wife to Ed Malick and a mother to seven children and grandmother of 19. Ed is the sixth generation on the homestead family farm in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan.
Seeds of Hope
Francis Gilmore of Michigan was driving his 40-ton tractor trailer along the Kansas turnpike. Suddenly he went blind. He grabbed his CB radio, called for help and began to apply the brakes. Over the radio came a calm voice saying, “Don’t panic. Go to your right. Easy, now. You are on the shoulder. You are okay now. Shut it down.” “I owe my life and the lives of others around me to that man,” said Gilmore.
Every day we come into contact with individuals who are blind to the dangers that surround them, trapped in sin’s grip, overwhelmed by fear or drifting without purpose. They do not even recognize their own lostness. As followers of Christ, we are called to pass on what we ourselves have received, we bear the responsibility to speak truth, offer direction and extend the hope that comes from knowing the One who restores sight to the blind. When we hear those faint calls for help in everyday conversations or in the chaos of life, we have the privilege of responding with compassion and love.
By sharing the gospel, pointing to Jesus who alone can bring true safety, we become instruments of His rescue. The question remains: when someone near us is traveling down the wrong road toward ruin, will we stay silent or will we speak the words that can lead them to life?
Today’s Prayer: Lord, give me the courage and wisdom to lead others to You and Your salvation. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Today’s Scripture: You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
2 Timothy 2:2
This article originally appeared on Farmers Advance: The backbone of America: A salute to farm women
Reporting by Gail Malick, Farmers’ Advance / Farmers Advance
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
