When I think of Mother’s Day and mothers, I think of my wonderful mother Marie and my sister Jean, both now in heaven, who continue to impact my life in multiple ways. I think of my sister Brenda, one of my closet friends and ministry companions. And I absolutely think of my wife Patty who magnificently has been the source of a great family for me.
All of them are amazingly strong woman who have played and are playing incredible roles in their families. To say I appreciate, admire, and truly value them is an understatement. Mothers are the backbone of society and worthy of celebrating every day, not just a Sunday in May.
Mother's Day celebrates women, highlighting their strength, resilience, and nurturing spirit. We honor them as warriors, healers, and protectors who often voluntarily sacrifice their own comfort and convenience to ensure their family's protection and well-being. They put flesh on the words “love” and “dedication.”
Mothers are very often the quiet creators of society, shaping not only individual lives but entire communities through their daily acts of care, resilience, and guidance. They give themselves through their time and talents at home, at schools, in clubs, teams, and churches. From nurturing children in their earliest physical moments to instilling values that are carried into adulthood, mothers play a significant role in forming the moral and emotional foundation of future generations. Their influence extends far beyond the home; schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods are impacted in countless ways through the character and compassion of the people they raise.
Successful mothers are not ones who have never struggled. They are the ones who never give up. Even in the face of personal loss and sacrifice, many mothers continue to provide stability and strength, creating environments where others can grow and thrive. Far beyond the essential nurturing they provide, mothers frequently function as the primary organizers, problem-solvers, and emotional anchors within their own families and for others within the community. Many of them are “moms” to others who do not have someone who fulfills a mother’s place, or sometimes they simply become an extra “mom” to groups because they offer a safe, understanding, and fun place to be.
These women balance responsibilities that often go unapplauded, sometimes unrecognized – they manage households, they hold down jobs of all kinds, they contribute economically and intellectually to our world, they foster social bonds for the entire family. These contributions make them indispensable to the functioning of society as a whole. When mothers are supported and empowered, the benefits ripple outward, leading to healthier families and stronger, more resilient communities. In this way, mothers are not just parts of society, they are part of the essential foundation.
Though there are some wonderful women who don’t have a life of faith, the most amazing mothers have a personal relationship with God that gives them access to wisdom and perspective beyond themselves. This wisdom equips them for the multiple experiences and challenges they face in life and empowers them to nurture the spirits of their children.
When people speak of the most influential persons in their lives, ones who taught them to recognize God, mothers are most frequently mentioned.
Happy Mother's Day to such amazing women.