My husband, a Methodist pastor, was visiting a parishioner in the hospital
undergoing surgery today, and ran across the July 1997 issue of Guidepost
magazine in the waiting area.  He could hardly wait to show me an article,
"Raisins and Almonds," a beautiful story from the 1920's of a premature baby
who thrived on the milk of a gracious Jewish neighbor woman.  It seems the
baby's mother was unable to breastfeed, and none of the formulas could be
tolerated.  As baby Nonie grew weaker and weaker, his family desperately
prayed for milk the baby could tolerate.  His older 14-year-old sister
happened to meet a neighbor woman who was nursing her baby.  When she said
wistfully she wished her mother could feed HER baby brother that way, the
woman immediately offered to help.  Twice a day, this kind neighbor went to
their home to breastfeed her baby brother until he grew fat and healthy and
was able to eat solid foods.  As she nursed, she always sang a Yiddish
lullaby which meant "Raisins and Almonds," a lullaby that speaks of hope for
a better future.  The author goes on to tell how her family had prayed for
milk, and the nourishment of God's love and grace flowed through this
neighbor.  If you've had a tough day and need a touching "pick-me-up," I
encourage you to pick *this* up and read it.  It'll make your day!