H—Historian. Not only your nation’s history or the world’s or your faith’s, but also your own and that of your family.

Deuteronomy 4:10. Specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. 

I—Inspirer. Inspire: “breathe into, fill with an exalting influence.” This you must continue to do on every occasion, at every stage of life. The child must be filled with the knowledge that he can succeed, can reach for, and attain his goals, no matter how small or large. And you must continue to inspire, when you yourself may have a scant supply of inspiration for yourself and your own success.

Hebrews 10:24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works:

J—Jewel. How difficult it is to go on gleaming, believing in your potential to be a finished work of art, even while your edges are being chiseled and polished so you will shine brighter. Consider the women who were “jewels” in your life and follow their example.

Proverbs 31:10. Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

K—Keeper. How many items and confidences and memories you must keep safe throughout your child’s life. Whether it’s tucking a special rock or shell or coin in your pocket to the revelation of a secret desire or a failure, you must be a safe repository for your child, never giving him the idea his treasure is silly or his failure unfixable.

Luke 2: 19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

L—Lover. This point needs not be explained. Jesus called it “the second great commandment”—loving your neighbor as yourself—and who is a closer neighbor than your own children?

John 13:34. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

M—Mourner. How often your heart will break over your child’s heartaches, whether it’s an actual wound or a wound of the heart, disappointments big and small. Never downplay the size of the injury. It’s all too real to the child. “Puppy love is real to the puppy.”

Romans 12: 15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.