A Grafton, West Virginia Mother, Mrs. Anna Reeves Jarvis, thinking of mothers who had lost their sons in the Civil War, prayed that there would someday be a day to celebrate Mother’s. A mother’s day was first celebrated in 1876.After gaining in popularity, by 1910, Mother's Day was celebrated in forty-five states, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Elated, Mrs. Jarvis’ daughter, who had continued to fight for the cause, told a friend, "Where it will end must be left for the future to tell. That it will circle the globe now seems certain."
On May 8, 1914, President Wilson designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day "for displaying the American flag and for the public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of the country."
Three mother’s of the Bible come to mind that made contributions to the society in which we live ... three women birthing a child under difficult circumstances and yet influencing the world beyond their wildest dreams.
The first woman is Hagar. We are familiar with the story in Geneses 16. Abraham’s wife Sarah, certain she could no longer bare a child, gave to her husband her servant, Hagar, to mistakenly help God fulfill His promise that Abraham would be father of all the Jews.
Hagar bore a fine son named Ishmael, who became the father of the Arab nations. Chapter 21 of Genesis, describes how afterward God miraculously gave Sarah a son named Isaac. Sarah, not wanting Hagar and her son around, abused her and had Abraham send them away ... banished to the burning desert.
Hagar, with their bread and water gone, placed her child under a bush so she wouldn't have to watch him die. She sat down at a distance and waited for death. Then Genesis 21:17 says "God heard the voice of the lad." and sent an "angel" to reassure her of His great promises (vv.17-18). He then provided "a well of water".
The second mother is Jochebed … who raised two sons, Aaron and Moses. The story is found in the second chapter of Exodus where Jechobed, a desperate and deliberate mother, put her 3 month old son, Moses in a basket and placed it on the edge of the Nile River to escape the wrath of a cruel and oppressive regime.
The daughter of the Pharaoh seeing that little basket floating in the reeds, decided to save him and then, unwittingly hired Moses' real mother, Jochebed, to tend to him. Moses was able to grow up in Pharaoh's palace. But from his real mother he learned faith and his true identity with the people of God.
Due to the dedication of his mother, Jochebed … who would not give up, who kept her faith, who used her creative imagination, who was able to teach her child and even got paid for doing it ... Moses was able to save his people.
The third mother was Mary, Fearful and Faithful (Luke 1). When told by an angel that she, a virgin would give birth to the Messiah, obediently proclaimed, "Let it be to me according to your word."
Mary’s response was the result of her faith in God. God wanted a godly mother to bring the Lord Jesus into the world. Mary, because of her faith and faithfulness, was able to be that mother. She was asked to make a great sacrifice, but she believed and trusted God. Her trust in God made her understand that whatever God asked of her was the best for her. Her example should speak to every mother with the message of faith and faithfulness.
Dear Mothers, whoever you are let God's peace rule in your life. Remember God rules in the world. He is sovereign, in control. However, He does not rule our "hearts" until we "let" Him. Hold on to your faith. Trust the Lord who upholds and sustains you and let His inner peace give you inner strength and inspiration. Though there will be many distractions and temptations to abandon your faith and give up, keep trusting God ... He is faithful.
Do make a commitment to live Godly life. You will be a blessing to your children (the future generations) and perhaps change the world for good.
Proverbs 31:28-29: "Her children praise her, and with great pride her husband says, "There are many good women, but you are the best!"
Paul Weresch
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