By Pastor Royston
“A mother is she who takes the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”- Gaspard Mermillod. She carries for nine months. She nurtures throughout life. She embraces with an open warm arm. Mothers are the bedrock of society; without them society fragments, fractures, and fails. The death of a mother brings heartache, pain, and anguish.
Reflecting, Shirley Caesar sang, “I remember mother in a happy way.” How do you remember, mother? Memory is the mother of all wisdom. Our most treasured memories are stored deep into our subconscious minds.
Psychologists talk about episodic memories (the ability to recall and mentally reexperience specific episodes from one’s personal past). Life’s highs and lows are stored in our memories. Our interactions with, and interpretations of these memories (whether good or bad), enable us to recall and reframe past events. Often, we use these to guide our choices and decisions.
One poet wrote, “Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. the tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever.”- Malik Faisal
The Apostle Paul states in Philippians 1: 3, “Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God.” His memories caused him to break out into gladness. Yes, many shed tears, scream, and sulk at funerals. What might be their memories? For some, it is a moment of gladness that their loved one no longer experiences isolation, neglect, or pain. Others breathe a sigh of relief that they are free of the responsibility.
Still, a few tears are signs of regret. The awful reality that more could have been done. The deafening silence replaces past conversations. It echoes in empty hearts, interrupted by a sad melody that keeps ticking over and over. It’s the memory of a mother.
Loving mothers make great sacrifice.
Proverbs 31:25 states “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Note, I didn’t say that they are without faults and failings. Neither that they are without sins.
However, the deep desire to stand straight and strong in their faith and conviction is unwavering. They long to see their children achieve in this life and be prepared for the life to come.
Mothers never retire… it’s a job for life.
Age doesn’t diminish the worth of a mother. Asian and African cultures confer such high honour on their elderly mothers. They are seen as the epitome of wisdom and spirituality. In Thailand, their advice is golden, whilst in China and Japan they occupy the best seats. In many African countries they are the gatekeepers of cultures, traditions, and values.
These seasoned mothers willingly transfer knowledge and skills to those they mentor. The unsung heroines of peace, many conflicts are quelled under the influence of a mother.
We thank God for our mothers and join King Solomon in showing our appreciation for their influence on our lives.
Proverbs 31:28–29: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'”