Hello Willowdale Family,
Once again, it is Mother’s Day weekend. Praise God. Mother’s Day, a special occasion dedicated to honoring and celebrating mothers and motherhood, has a rich history rooted in various traditions and cultures worldwide. The origins of Mother’s Day have intrigued scholars and historians alike. Upon conducting thorough research into its history, I uncovered several key points regarding its inception. This examination reveals the cultural and historical context surrounding the holiday’s establishment, highlighting its evolution over time and the various influences that have shaped its contemporary significance.
Did you know that Mother’s Day began in the United States in the early 20th century, but its origins can be traced back to ancient festivals and the Christian tradition of “Mothering Sunday.” Mother’s Day’s origins, significance, and history in the United States are deeply intertwined with the nation’s history and social movements following the American Civil War.
Ann Reeves Jarvis, a notable peace activist and community organizer, laid the foundation for Mother’s Day by creating “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs.” These clubs were crucial in fostering reconciliation among divided communities by focusing on shared concerns such as public health and the welfare of children. In the post-war era, Jarvis’s initiatives sought to bridge the chasm left by the conflict, advocating for unity and understanding through the common ground of motherhood and community well-being. Following Ann Reeves Jarvis’s passing, her daughter, Anna Jarvis, embarked on a mission to commemorate her mother’s achievements and the invaluable role of mothers in society. Her efforts were rooted in the desire to fulfill her mother’s dream of establishing a day dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of mothers.
The inaugural Mother’s Day celebration on May 10, 1908, in Grafton, West Virginia, and simultaneously in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, directly manifested Anna Jarvis’s dedication. This date was symbolically chosen to align with Ann Reeves Jarvis’s anniversary month, serving as a tribute to her life and the broader concept of maternal appreciation. Together, Ann Reeves Jarvis and Julia Ward Howe’s contributions from the cornerstone of Mother’s Day reflect a movement that transcends the simple celebration of maternal bonds to encompass a broader vision of peace, unity, and social change. Their legacies remind us of the profound societal impact of mothers and the importance of acknowledging and honoring their contributions, not just one day a year, but every day.
In 1986, Ministry Magazine published “The Call to Motherhood.” The writer stated that while Michelangelo chiseled an imagined Moses from marble, Jochebed devoted herself to shaping her son’s character through love, faith, and nurturing. We can be confident that Jochebed’s early influence empowered Moses to choose later “rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25). The author emphasizes three significant dimensions of the call to motherhood that I would like to share with you: (1) it is a sacred calling, (2) it is an endangered calling, and (3) it is an indispensable calling. A woman’s sacred vocation to motherhood is rooted in two unique powers bestowed upon her by God: the first is biological, and the second is spiritual or moral. Spiritually, God has endowed every mother with a unique capacity to shape her children’s character for this life and the next. Our mothers have imparted essential lessons about love, honesty, integrity, and faith in God. The tremendous influence granted to mothers by God is truly awe-inspiring. Ellen White aptly states, “Next to God, the mother’s power for good is the strongest known on earth.” —The Adventist Home, p. 240. She observes that a mother “has the molding of her children’s characters in her power, that they may be fitted for the higher, immortal life. An angel could not ask for a higher mission; for in doing this work she is serving God.” —Ibid., p. 231.
An endangered calling
The call to motherhood is currently facing threats from various subversive forces, one of which is the lack of support from some fathers. A significant issue undermining this call is the appreciation many husbands fail to show for the vital role their wives fulfill in the family. If the veil were lifted and both father and mother could perceive their daily efforts as God perceives them, they would be astonished by the divine perspective. The father would likely view his labor with greater humility, while the mother would draw renewed courage and energy to pursue her responsibilities with wisdom, perseverance, and patience.
An indispensable calling
To truly grasp the indispensable nature of the calling to motherhood, let us take a moment to consider the unique ability of a Christian mother to instill three essential qualities in her children: faith and love, self-worth, and moral values. A mother possesses a distinctive capacity to love her child like no one else can; God has exceptionally equipped her to convey faith and love. These two qualities are intrinsically linked—faith flourishes in the presence of love, and genuine love is nurtured through faith. In Scripture, God reveals the depth of His love for us by comparing it to a mother’s love for her nursing child: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget. Yet, I will not forget you” (Isa. 49:15). Additionally, in 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes to young Timothy, reminding him, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and now, I am sure, dwells in you.” This passage provides a brief but profound biography of two remarkable women of the New Testament. Their legacy is defined by their ability to instill a deep sense of faith and commitment to God in their son and grandson.
On Mother’s Day, it is fitting to express our gratitude to our mothers for the countless blessings that have come into our lives through their nurturing influence and prayers. The joys of motherhood are numerous, but perhaps the greatest joy comes from witnessing the fruit of one’s womb stand before their Maker, acknowledging the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This is the true essence of Mother’s Day. The celebration of Mother’s Day, both in Canada and around the globe, demonstrates the day’s versatility and widespread appeal, rooted in diverse cultural traditions yet united in its core purpose. Despite the variances in celebration, the essence of Mother’s Day remains a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices, love, and enduring influence of mothers everywhere. It is a day that transcends commercialization, rooted in the genuine desire of families to acknowledge and celebrate the unconditional love and support mothers provide. This sentiment resonates worldwide, making Mother’s Day not just an occasion for personal reflection and familial appreciation but also a moment for society to collectively acknowledge the foundational role of mothers.
On this Mother’s Day, I extend heartfelt wishes to all mothers. May God bestow abundant blessings upon you this weekend and in the coming years. Wishing you a joyous Mother’s Day celebration with your family. Today, we will listen to three influential women of faith who will present the teachings of the Word of God. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they engage with us. May God use them to inspire our hearts and foster a deeper connection with Him.
God bless you!
Pastor Evadne Henry
References
- https://historycooperative.org/mothers-day-a-history/
- https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/1986/05/the-call-to-motherhood
- Ellen G. White, “The Adventist Home”