Essence of a Mother

Mother’s Day, observed globally on the second Sunday of May, traces its origins to the United States in the early 20th century. Anna Jarvis, a peace activist who tended to wounded soldiers during the American Civil War, established Mother’s Day Work Clubs to address public health concerns. Her efforts culminated in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson officially recognized Mother’s Day as a national holiday. Modern mothers have evolved significantly from traditional roles that once confined them to domestic duties. Today, they are educated, independent, and active contributors to their households. While contemporary life offers greater comfort, it also presents new challenges. The distinction between a good mother and a godly mother is crucial-one prioritizes worldly approval, while the other embodies divine principles. A home without a mother is like a lamp without a light. Though both fathers and mothers equally share the responsibility of making a home, mothers play a prominent role in the development of spiritual values in the family. Mothers have been gifted by God with a selfless devotion and undying love for her family.A good mother is popular with her children, family and friends. A good mother is not interested in the things of God as much as in the things of the world. Thus, a good yet ungodly mother also loves her children and husband but places greatest value on material happiness, does not teach moral and ethical values to her children, chooses to not be accountable, is clever with words and economic with truth and prone to compromises, is not one to sit at home tending to family, may act like a single woman, loves to spend, prone to loose talks, has a damn-care attitude, subtlety pompous and place high premium on fun. The Bible clearly depicts such characters in ungodly women or mothers as -licentious (lack moral and restraint), deceivable (like Eve who lacked spiritual fortitude); materialistic (like Lot’s wife); contentious (openly disrespects the husband like Michal wife of David); corrupt (like Jezebel); discouraging (like Job’s wife); manipulative (like Herodias) and deceitful (like Sapphira). These few women among many in the Bible have only brought ruin to themselves and their families. Motherhood presents us with a model of loyalty and dedication. She is faithful to her husband and children because she is faithful to God. She also reaches out to help those in need. Her inward adorning of character and integrity of heart is what makes her most attractive because inward beauty never fades but becomes more precious with time. Women like Mother Teresa and Nagaland’s late Zaputuo, who dedicated their lives to orphans, exemplify selfless devotion. A mother’s love-whether biological or adoptive-nurtures, protects, and unites. Her integrity and faithfulness create a lasting legacy, far surpassing fleeting beauty or worldly acclaim. In an era where materialism and liberalism erode family values, a godly mother serves as the spiritual anchor. Her fear of the Lord ensures her family’s moral compass remains steadfast. On this Mother’s Day, may mothers be granted wisdom, joy, and strength as they navigate the complexities of modern life, leaving an indelible mark on generations to come.