Money Can’t Buy Her Love

There is one thing that is universal-we all have a mother. As I contemplated this upcoming day of honoring mothers, I knew some of the reasons we celebrate mothers. They carried us and kept us safe for nine months while God formed us, and they endured the process of birth. They cared for us before we could care for ourselves. In most cases they created an environment where we could grow into remarkable adults.

Cathy Erickson, People Matter Ministries

Unfortunately, not all of us had a mother who created that environment and so we either are disappointed by the thought of Mother’s Day or we choose to celebrate all the moms out there who are endeavoring to raise children. We celebrate not just moms, but all women who teach and love children.

Miss Anna Jarvis was one of those remarkable women. She was born to Mrs. Anna Reeves Jarvis in 1864 and was one of 11 children. Her mom was noted for being a community leader, active in church and teacher of children. When she died, Miss Anna recited a small prayer she had heard her mother pray.

“I hope that someone will found a memorial mother’s day commemorating her for the matchless service she renders to humanity in every field of life. She is entitled to it.”

Ann Jarvis is the mother of Mother’s Day

Anna spent much of her life making this prayer a reality. On the second anniversary of her mother’s death, she had carnations given to each mother at church services in Grafton, West Virginia. By the next year it was celebrated in the city of Philadelphia. Through her tenacious work, Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day as a national holiday in 1914 to be held each year on the second Sunday of May.

Unfortunately, Miss Anna became disappointed because of the commercialization of the day. Her original idea was that children would write a heartfelt letter by hand to honor and show love to their mothers. She died at age 84, never marrying or having any children of her own.

As I read this story my heart was so saddened that what she most wanted never became a reality for her. I agree and hope we can turn this around and make 2015 a year that we use our hearts to honor and cherish our mothers.

In this age of possibilities, use your creative talents to make a special memory happen for your mom. Just like many relationships in life “Money can’t buy her love!” Think with your heart and plan ahead. If your mother is not in the picture or has passed take this opportunity to honor another mother who could use this encouragement.

Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (paraphrased) “And now friends, we ask you to honor those leaders (Mothers) who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!!”

Let’s start a Mother’s Day revolution; one that would impact every mom. May it echo throughout the land.

—-By Cathy Erickson, People Matter Ministries