"I thank God when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your mother."
- 2 Timothy 1:3,5

At this season of the year, our thoughts turn to the one who gave us birth. Like so many modern customs and practices, "Mother's Day" which is celebrated the second Sunday in May, dates back to a festival derived from the custom of mother worship in ancient Greece. With the coming of Christianity it soon became a worship of the mother church as a religious, holy day during Lent, when children brought special gifts to their mothers. In the US, official recognition of Mother's Day as given by Congress on May 8, 1914. The white carnation, or rose, signifying sweetness, purity and endurance, was adopted as the emblem.

Mother's Day is here and though we attach no spiritual significance to it, it is well that we be reminded of the blessings of godly motherhood. This is a day of celebration of love and appreciation for Mothers. Today let us give thanks for our own Mothers and also for those people who have nurtured us and influenced our lives in positive ways.

Throughout history, the motherly rose is one of honor and respect, so we extend a special blessing to these honored individuals, for they have helped nourish and mold our lives through their loving support and gentle encouragement. The have inspired and guided us to express our God-given talents and abilities.

How do people know that you are a Mother and wise disciple of Jesus? Do you pray before meals, attend church regularly, wear a cross, carry a Bible? These may be appropriate ways to express faith, but Jesus tells His disciples that there is another crucial distinguishing mark of a true follower of Jesus: "By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34,35

Our thanks, O God, for mothers who show, by word and deed, commitment to Thy will and plan and Thy commandments heed.