Mother’s Day

Yesterday, May 9, was Mother’s Day – a day to appreciate and honor very special women or maternal figures who have influenced our lives. I believe it’s a special day to celebrate selflessness, unconditional love, and sacrifice such women practice for the betterment of others, especially for children of all ages and races.

In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. In 1914, US president Woodrow Wilson proclaimed this day of May as Mother’s Day “as a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” (www.archives.gov>historical-docs)

Therefore, Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May. (Wikipedia)

Last week I wrote in appreciation of nurses (many who are mothers). Countless mothers have selflessly nursed and lovingly nourished children throughout the world. My mom (who with my dad adopted me when I was an infant) was one of these women. She was a remarkable Christian woman who loved being a mom, and her loving expression of motherly qualities was a blessing to family, friends and strangers. One way my beloved mom nursed and nourished me was introducing me to Christian Science.

Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered Christian Science and founded The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts (aka The Mother Church), nursed the world through her daily prayers, prolific writings and remarkable works. In the “Glossary” of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, she gives these definitions:

            MOTHER. God; divine and eternal Principle; Life, Truth, and Love. (p. 592)

            DAY. The irradiance of Life; light, the spiritual idea of Truth and Love. (p. 584)

Think about these two words (with their definitions) together. What inspired sense of Mother’s Day comes to your thought? How does God being our divine Mother influence our lives? How is each day brighter and fuller with Mother-Love always with us?

In Science and Health on page 16, Mrs. Eddy stated: “Here let me give what I understand to be the spiritual sense of the Lord’s Prayer:

            Our Father which art in heaven,
                 Our Father-Mother God, all-harmonious,
            Hallowed be Thy name.
                 Adorable One. 

I’ve quoted only the first verse of this sacred prayer, yet it gives an embracing sense of God, divine Love as our heavenly Parent who cares for and loves each of us.

Mrs. Eddy also wrote, “Father-Mother is the name for Deity, which indicates His tender relationship to His spiritual creation” (Science and Health, p. 332).

Two prayers she specifically penned for children:

             MOTHER’S NEW YEAR GIFT TO THE LITTLE CHILDREN

             Father-Mother God,
                         Loving me, –
             Guard me when I sleep;
             Guide my little feet
                         Up to Thee.

             TO THE BIG CHILDREN

             Father-Mother good, lovingly,
                          Thee I seek, –
                          Patient, meek,
              In the way Thou hast, –
              Be it slow or fast,
                          Up to Thee.

                          (Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896, p. 400)

Mrs. Eddy loved little children, as did our Master, Christ Jesus. This “Soul-filled woman” also penned another poem that is both a prayer and hymn. Her poem “The Mother’s Evening Prayer” has blessed countless children and adults (Christian Science Hymnal 207–212). It embodies the comfort arts of nursing. It embraces hearts which need comforting. It speaks to those with open minds. And it shows in a modest way how much this dear woman loved mankind. And yet, she too at times needed to feel the comfort of Mother-God, as given in the Holy Bible: “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13, NKJV)

I hope you agree we all need to truly honor good mothers, bless all women, care for all children, and embrace all our Father-Mother God’s beloved creation. So, if you can, give a mom a hug!

D. Brian Boettiger