A saying goes. “Behind every successful man, there is a woman!” It can be his mother or wife. This is so true.
Men like John and Charles Wesley are still celebrated because they were among the pioneers of faith. The life of these great men was glide and championed by a woman. A woman singled out by God and used as the instrument of training and building. This woman is none other than Susanna Wesley.
Susanna was the 25th of 25th children of her parents, Dr. Samuel Annesley and Mary White. At the age of 19, she got married to Samuel Wesley. They had 19 children, of which nine died.
She experienced hardship and trials. Her marriage experienced financial setbacks, which made her husband leave her with the children for over a year.
In all these, she was steadfast and focused on raising quality children in all the areas of life she could. She gave her children good parenting, quality education, and, most importantly, made them memorise the Scriptures and sing hymns.
Susanna’s reading and sharing of the Scriptures with her children attracted people from far and within. That little family fellowship became a wildfire that gathered over two hundred souls under the voice of Susanna Wesley.
The life and parenting skills used by Susanna, even in her husband’s absence, influenced her children. Susanna Wesley wrote a piece during the absence of her husband.
“I am a woman, but I am also the mistress of a large family. And though the superior charge of the souls contained in it lies upon you, yet in your long absence, I cannot but look upon every soul you leave under my charge as a talent committed to me under a trust. I am not a man nor a minister, yet as a mother and a mistress, I felt I ought to do more than I had yet done. I resolved to begin with my own children, in which I observe the following method:
I take such a proportion of time as I can spare every night to discourse with each child apart.
On Monday, I talk with Molly, on Tuesday with Hetty, Wednesday with Nancy, Thursday with Jacky, Friday with Patty, Saturday with Charles.“
A woman like Susanna Wesley should be emulated in our world of today and should be a course to be studied in a parenting career. She single-handedly partnered with God, who gave complete joy as she saw greatness in her children. Susanna proves that women are worthy vessels endowed with wisdom, strength, power, and influence.
Dear Woman, you are a worthy vessel endowed with wisdom, power, strength, skills, and influence to raise children of greatness.
All you need do is yield and partner with the Source of your endowment, God.
If Susanna Wesley could raise great men, then we can.
