Happy Mother's Day

Today, I pause to celebrate mothers all over the world. You are loved.

On May 9th 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that mothers need to be celebrated. On that day, he asked Americans to give a public "thank you" to their mothers, and all mothers. Despite this beautiful commemoration, should Mother’s Day be the only time we take a moment to tell our mother’s how much we appreciate their unconditional love?

Although it takes two people to produce a child, we honour mothers for their many sacrifices of love toward their children. For the nine months of vigorous changes their bodies must undergo in order to support a new life; or the tender nurture and care they provide to ensure their child feels loved, comforted and protected. Although she no longer carries her children in her womb, she will always carry them in her heart.

Mothers all over the nation are being celebrated by their loved ones today; whether by a bouquet of flowers, a thoughtful gift or a kind gesture, many are making an extra effort to ensure their mother feels appreciated. I salute you mothers!

Today, I especially salute my mother. My siblings and I have wonderful memories of our mother. At the age of twenty-three, my mom had six children all under the age of eight. I imagine it was not easy giving each of us the emotional care we need, but thankfully she tried her best. Mommy, was a stay home mom. She would wake early in the morning to begin brushing our hair for school, then prepared our meals, and saw us off to school. We didn’t have much growing up, but whatever we had, mommy made it do.

My mom was very adventurous. She tried everything from sewing, to baking, crochet and selling pastries. In my eyes, she was an entrepreneur. As I reflect, there were so many amazing things my mom did, that at the time, I didn’t appreciate her labour of love. As an adult, however, I realize all the things she did was to help her family, and I am extremely grateful. I remember calling my siblings last year, telling them we should all get together and celebrate our mother. We didn’t have to wait until Mother’s Day to tell her how much we appreciate and love her as our mother, as we didn't know how much longer we had with her, but we took advantage of every opportunity. Thirty of her children, grandchildren and in-laws crammed into her small living room to let her know how much we loved and appreciated her resilience, youthfulness and faith. One by one she heard from us. I feel comforted knowing I was able to tell her everything that was on my heart. Although she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on.

Whether young or grown, I encourage you to continually let your mother know what you admire about her, let her know the ways she has positively impacted your life and encourage her to continue striving to become the best version of herself. Don’t wait until your mother falls ill or is on her death bed to share your heart. The time is now.

Some of you may not have a good relationship with your mother for various reasons, but I encourage you to use this opportunity to make amends. Choose forgiveness and love. To the mother who is worried or anxious, remember that God is in control; to the mother that fears for her children’s souls, remember that God is mighty to save; to the mother that is burnt out and exhausted; remember that God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness; and to the mother who is feeling unappreciated, unvalued and unloved, remember that your heavenly Father loves you perfectly. You are valuable in His sight.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 5:16