The Mother of all Mothers

Introduction: This morning I would like us to turn to Genesis where we will look at the first woman, the first mother, the mother of all mothers, the mother of all the living. We know her as Eve. We learn of her and her plight in the first few chapters.

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle by William Ross Wallace

Blessings on the hand of women! Angels guard its strength and grace,

In the palace, cottage, hovel, Oh, no matter where the place;

Would that never storms assailed it, Rainbows ever gently curled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world.

Infancy's the tender fountain, Power may with beauty flow,

Mother's first to guide the streamlets, From them souls unresting grow—

Grow on for the good or evil, Sunshine streamed or evil hurled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world.

Woman, how divine your mission Here upon our natal sod!

Keep, oh, keep the young heart open Always to the breath of God!

All true trophies of the ages Are from mother-love impearled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world.

Blessings on the hand of women! Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,

And the sacred song is mingled With the worship in the sky—

Mingles where no tempest darkens, Rainbows evermore are hurled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world.