Greetings Holy, Healthy and Happy People of God,

As I write this eNote to our faithful and devoted community of radical and responsible followers of Jesus Christ, I want you to acknowledge the gift and gracious of mothers.  One of the favorite days for the church is when we celebrate mothers on Mother’s Day.  Jesus in John’s gospel (19:26a-27, CEB) celebrates the life of his mother at the cross by giving her to his disciple as he says, “Woman, here is your son.”  Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”  And from that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Mary was the first mother honored for Mother’s Day and chosen by God to deliver the Son of Humanity.  She was unlikely and unprepared but offered her faithfulness to God.  Mothers are known for their sacrifice in all phases of life.  From money to shelter to clothing and time, mothers even go without to ensure that their children have everything they need.

On May 11, 1913, the Members of the House of Representatives wore white carnations to honor American mothers in the Capitol’s first observance of Mother’s Day.  Representative James Heflin of Alabama introduced House Resolution 103 on May 10th requesting President Woodrow Wilson, members of his Cabinet, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and other federal officials to don white carnations, “or some other white flower,” to honor mothers for being “the greatest source of our country’s strength and inspiration.”  The tradition of wearing white carnations (and later red carnations) spread across the nation.  With the positive response to the 1913 resolution, Heflin introduced formal legislation in 1914, designating the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day.  After quickly passing the House and being directed through the Senate by former Representative Morris Sheppard of Texas, the bill went to the President’s desk on May 8th, and became law that same day.

So we celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday with two distinct voices on motherhood.  Regardless of whether a woman has given birth or not, all women have a motherly instinct.  This means women are wired to offer compassion, exhibit high levels of commitment and demonstrate a conviction to care for others.  So this Sunday when you see a woman, remember all women have mothered someone, and just say “Happy Mother’s Day!”  We all salute every woman for being someone’s mother and offering the love and grace of Jesus Christ!

As always, remember, God’s will for us is good, we must do the rest!
Pastor Stephen