I’ll Be There

“When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle […] ‘I asked the LORD to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the LORD, and he will belong to the LORD.’”—1 Samuel 1:24–28 NLT

William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States, was raised in a Christian home where he particularly was influenced by his mother. She remained close to McKinley even after he became president.

In 1897, she became seriously ill. Reflecting his concerns, McKinley had a special telegraph line installed in the White House, so he could write to her. As she approached death, he wired this message: “Tell Mother I’ll be there!” And he went to her side.

McKinley’s words became an inspiration for Charles Filmore, a music teacher and pastor who also wrote many Gospel songs. He was moved to realize that for McKinley’s mother, it was more important that her son spend eternity with Jesus than be president.

Thinking of his own life, Filmore wrote of how he used to grieve his mother “with my folly and neglect.” But “now that she has gone to Heav’n, I miss her tender care: O Savior, tell my mother, I’ll be there!” He remembered how she prayed for him and always was “kind and good,” even when he was wayward.

The mothers of McKinley and Filmore were like many women who have sacrificed and prayed so that their children would know about God. Think of all that your mother has done for you. Remember, the most important thing in life is not the riches, rewards, and pleasures of this world, but spending eternity with Jesus.

Reflection Question: Reflect on your mother’s influence on your life.