other's Day is a day dedicated to honoring mothers. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in the United States. The modern holiday was started by Anna Jarvis in 1908 following her mother's death, and it officially became a national holiday in 1914 under President Woodrow Wilson. Its spirit extends far beyond a single date. Originally intended as a time for sincere appreciation, the holiday has sometimes been overshadowed by commercial traditions like buying cards and flowers. While gifts are a nice gesture, the true gift is making your mother happy through listening and respect.

The Sacrifice of a Mother
Mothers carry their children for nine months through hardship, nourish them with breast milk, and care for them day and night despite exhaustion. Often bearing the primary burden of childcare while fathers work to provide financially, mothers deserve our deepest respect. The greatest gift we can offer is not a material object, but simply making them feel heard and loved; listening to their words is a profound act of love.

From the complex challenges of pregnancy to the relentless nurturing required for fragile newborns, mothers work tirelessly with little sleep. Even when they fall ill themselves, they prioritize their offspring's needs above their own. Caring for young children is a full-time commitment that requires unique dedication; witnessing any suffering in their child causes mothers immense worry. Tragically, once children grow up, they often fail to understand the hardships their mothers endured and may even cause them sorrow. It is far better to show love and gratitude while she is alive rather than regretting it after her death or merely placing flowers at her tomb.

God's Instruction to Honor Parents
God explicitly instructs us in the Ten Commandments: "Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God gives you" (Exodus 20:12). Apostle Paul also wrote about honoring parents: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ^{2 '}Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise— ^{3 '}so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" (Ephesians 6:1-2). Why do our days become long if we honor our parents? Because it pleases God to bless those who honor their parents. And because parents guide their children along the right path, listening to your parents' words is essential for a long life.

Empathy and Timing
We must learn empathy from God's own perspective: "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" (Isaiah 49:15). Mothers are constantly attuned to their child's needs through the pain of breastfeeding and hunger anxiety. Some poor mothers have been known to chew food at others' homes just to feed their children later, or stay awake all night if their child cries out in pain.

We should listen carefully to this lesson of sacrificial love, as King Solomon advised: "Listen to your father, who gave you life,  and do not despise your mother when she is old." (Proverbs 23:22). Just as a mother comforts her child when they are sad, God comforts His people with deep love (Isaiah 66:13). Therefore, every child should honor and respect their mother to avoid causing her sorrow. Do not wait until after she passes away to feel regret; instead, make sure to bring her joy while she is still here.

Spiritual Responsibility
If you have received salvation but your mother has not yet heard the message or does not have a clear understanding of it, share it with her as soon as possible. Spiritual support brings eternal blessings. If she lives far away, call her regularly to share this good news, pray for her, and provide financial support if able. Even if you are more educated than your mother, treat her with respect and love. Listen carefully to what she says and do not ignore her instruction.

Summary of Scriptural Mandates:

• "Honor your father and mother..." (Exodus 20:12)
• "Listen to your father, who gave you life,  and do not despise your mother when she is old." (Proverbs 23:22)
• "Honor your father and mother." (Ephesians 6:2)

*Compilation of 2018 and 2019 Mother's Day Articles

 

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