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Show 82 Milford's plate at breakfast on his birthday were the picture and a poem Ellis had written for him. The day was concluded with a family dinner where Mother Shipp, Flora, and Ed were invited guests. Something Ellis says or does two days later offends Milford, and once again she assumes all of the responsibility and resolves "to be more careful in the future, to say or do nothing that it would be possible to put an evil construction upon." In this, as in all other undertakings, she will seek the help of her Heavenly Father. The Retrenchment Society holds a meeting in the Shipp home and Ellis rejoices to "see the young ladies progressing in the principles of the Gospel." At the same time, in her characteristic way, Ellis prays privately that her actions will "tend to the advancement and upbuilding of God's kingdom." She also prays for "a manifestation of [her] Father's mercy" but expresses her willingness to continue in faith even if that manifestation should not be given for, she says, "I know my Heavenly Father knows better than I do what is for my best good. My confidence in Him is implicit and I will rely upon Him." Her frequent and obviously sincere references to her reliance upon heavenly aid are an integral part of the record of Ellis Reynolds Shipp. Any survey of her life which does not include her petitions for help, and affirmations of faith, and gratitude for blessings will indeed be flat. It is in this dimension that today's mind set will do the least justice to her and to those who people her narrative. There is no other valid way to view Ellis and her |