Savage Mama

Ruth Graham, the late wife of evangelist Billy Graham, kept a journal throughout her life and often wrote about raising her five children. I've just finished reading Billy Graham: His Life and Influence by David Aikman, and he included the following entry from Mrs. Graham's journal, to which I could greatly relate . . .

"The children misbehave. I reprimand them more sharply--more probably, peevishly. The very tone of the voice irritates them. (I know, because if it were used on me it would irritate me.) They answer back, probably in the same tone. I turn on them savagely. (I hate to think how often. And how savage a loving mother can be at times.) And I snap, 'Don't speak to your mother like that. It isn't respectful.' Nothing about me--actions, tone of voice, etc.,--commanded respect. It doesn't mean I am to tolerate sass or back talk. But then I must be very careful not to inspire it either."