What is a Mother?
Unsung, Unseen Backbone of Families
The Honor of Mothers
I have fond memories of elementary school, especially the Mother's Day projects we'd create. Each year, my teachers seemed to come up with more thoughtful and creative projects to gift our moms. My mom always cherished those slightly corny, and cheesy school-made presents from all of us kids. However, it's only after becoming a mother myself, that I truly understand the deep significance of those gifts made by tiny hands that were once inside of me.
My mother embodies everything I thought of when I picture a Polynesian mother dealing with children. She reminds me of a C&H Sugar commercial from the 80s, featuring a little boy in Hawaii who goes to the corner store without any money, only a marble. To him, that marble was priceless. It was a unique spider-eye, streaked with green and blue around a sliver of black, perfectly preserved in an unblemished sphere. More valuable to him than any coin, he confidently set it on the counter next to his chosen item, meeting the gaze of the large, Hawaiian woman behind the counter. Her raised eyebrows signaled her expectation of payment, but the boy's earnest face communicated the value of his "trade." Instead of demanding cash, the woman smiled, placed the marble in the register, bagged his purchase, and sent him on his way, beaming. The camera then revealed her, a woman in her forties, laughing at the boy's audatious sincerity. He'd traded something of value to him, despite the "Cash Only" sign outside.
Thank God for Mothers
I didn’t have a strong bond with my mother, but the lessons of endurance, tenacity to keep going was powerful for me. I never stopped loving her despite her idiosyncrasies that annoy me sometimes. But one day, I actually pretended to walk my mother’s shoes. What I found was humbling and I shut my mouth as I realised the old saying is true: She did the best she could with what (tools) she had.
There are manuals, books, even the Bible that provides ‘instructions’ on how to train up a child in the way they should go. But no book can compare to real life walk filled with challenges, emergencies, school forms every year to complete. Countless hours of wake, deep with worry and prayer over a sick child running a temperature above 102 degrees. The stress of not knowning what to do until the thought would come, “Call mom. She’ll know what to do.” And my mom was right every time with home remedies after exhausting all doctors efforts to help. Later as those same children grow into adulthood, the worries are still present that are given to God to handle as the load is too heavy to bear silently.
Maybe we could acknowledge the profound and often unseen gift that mothers are to us, a gift that shapes our lives in countless ways, many of which we don't even realize. Thank God for the subtle, yet powerful lessons they impart, shaping our character and guiding us through life's complexities, often before we even understand we are being taught.
Thanks to the woman who has rocked us to sleep, prayed over us, sung lullabies to soothe our fears, and tirelessly nursed us back to health during childhood illnesses…that now exist only as distant memories. Let us not forget the sacrifices they made, the choices they faced in the mirror, weighing vanity against the profound physical changes of pregnancy – a testament to their selfless devotion in bringing forth the miracle of life. Their bodies, forever altered, bear witness to the beauty they created: a human being.
Some are grateful for the instructions, the directions, and even the lectures that we may have resisted in our youth, but which ultimately served as invaluable shields, protecting us from unnecessary heartache and pain. Thank God for the endless tasks they undertake, from the seemingly mundane like doing our laundry, preparing our meals, and cleaning our spaces, to the more demanding responsibilities of working outside the home and still managing to tidy up after us.
Some appreciate the unconditional love they shower upon us, the hugs they offer even when we don't want them, the wise advice they impart even when we're too stubborn to listen. We are thankful for their unwavering vigilance, gently guiding us away from perilous paths, inquiring about our relationships, and questioning our late-night activities.
They call our teachers to check on our academic progress, all while juggling a multitude of responsibilities: going to work, maintaining a clean and comfortable home, preparing nourishing meals, handling endless loads of laundry, offering words of encouragement not only to their children but also to their colleagues and spouse. They strive to maintain peace within their families, embrace their own generation, and even attempt to maintain a sense of allure for their partners, all while ensuring that the bills are paid and the household runs smoothly.
Mothers possess a remarkable ability to make it all seem effortless, like a Tahitian hula dancer who glides across the stage with grace, masking the immense skill and dedication required to perform. Yet, it is far from easy.
Maybe the next time you see, think of, or remember your mother, take a moment to acknowledge and respect the journey she has undertaken, a journey filled with untold sacrifices and hidden struggles. Remember that your mother's voice was the first sound you ever heard, resonating within the sanctuary of her womb, where you grew and developed for nearly a year. Her emotions, her nourishment, her sleep patterns during those precious months are all intrinsically linked to your being.
Thank God for the thankless days and nights, for the moments when teenagers, in their misguided rebellion, refuse to kiss their mothers. Thank God for the mothers who tirelessly clean up after their babies, dealing with the unpleasant realities of diarrhea and vomit without complaint.
God bless the mothers who proudly proclaim their love and admiration for their children, even when their academic achievements fall short of expectations, celebrating their efforts and potential rather than dwelling on their shortcomings. God bless the mothers of every generation who serve as the iceberg, the strong, unwavering foundation hidden beneath the surface of what the world perceives.
God bless the mothers who continue to hold onto hope for their incarcerated children, praying for their redemption and their eventual return to a life of purpose and fulfillment. God bless the mothers who offer unwavering love and acceptance to their children, regardless of the choices they make, understanding that their love is a constant source of strength and support.
God bless the mothers who offer comforting words, assuring their children that they "look fine," even when they know they appear tired or unwell, shielding them from unnecessary worry and offering a reminder of confidence. God bless the mothers who cling to hope, joy, and the dream of a brighter future for their children, just as they did when those precious lives were first taking shape within them.
God bless the mothers that have lost a child too early. May your hearts be comforted with the memories of good times filled with silly laughter. Lord, please help bring restoration to the souls of those mothers that cry at night for the child that went back home to God. Cherish the moments gone, while fine tuning the present moment to be a blessing to someone else when the pain is crushing - is my solution for now.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers who are not recognized by their children. To the struggling Mother contemplating ‘leaving’ carry on girl, all struggles are temporary. To the Mother filled with shame from past failures, get up girl! Your still in the game if you’re breathing. Anything is possible with Iehova at your side helping you walk - when the road is dark and everything appears hopeless. To the addicted mother, look up! There is a strong hand, capable of reaching you with Keys to unlock the fetters of guilt, shame and addiction with alcohol. He did it for me. He can do it for you too. ♥
Lamentation 3:55-58
I called on your name, Lord,
from the depths of the pit.
56 You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears
to my cry for relief.”
57 You came near when I called you,
and you said, “Do not fear.”
58 You, Lord, took up my case;
you redeemed my life.
Hope in Times of Need
“Finally, brothers & sisters, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 Bible
In memory of my beautiful Quel, Happy Mothers Day darlin. 😘
Terry Leifi-Silverstein