This is the day the US Congress established Mother's Day in 1914.
In today's lesson, we'll explore the biblical command to honor our mothers and celebrate the unique gifts and contributions of mothers. As we reflect on the establishment of Mother's Day, we'll gain a deeper appreciation for the irreplaceable role mothers play in God's design for the family and be encouraged to express our gratitude not just on this special day, but every day.
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." - Exodus 20:12 (NIV)
This Date in History
On May 7, 1914, the United States Congress officially established Mother's Day as a national holiday to be celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. The holiday's creation was the culmination of years of effort by Anna Jarvis, a woman from West Virginia who had been campaigning for a day to honor mothers since 1908.
Anna's inspiration for Mother's Day came from her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had been a peace activist and had cared for wounded soldiers on both sides during the American Civil War. After her mother's death in 1905, Anna wanted to honor her mother's memory and the sacrifices that all mothers make for their children.
In 1908, Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother's Day celebrations in Grafton, West Virginia, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She chose the second Sunday in May because it was the anniversary of her mother's death. The celebration involved wearing a white carnation, visiting one's mother or attending church services, and writing letters of appreciation to mothers.
The idea caught on, and by 1909, Mother's Day services were being held in 46 states. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honor mothers.
However, as the holiday became more commercialized with the selling of flowers, candies, and cards, Anna Jarvis grew disillusioned. She believed that the original sentiment of the day was being sacrificed for profit. Ironically, Jarvis, who had worked so hard to establish Mother's Day, later became known for openly criticizing it and even trying to rescind the holiday.
Despite Jarvis' later disillusionment, Mother's Day has endured as a time-honored tradition celebrating motherhood and the influence of mothers in society. Today, it is celebrated in over 40 countries worldwide, each with their own traditions, but all centered around expressing love and gratitude for mothers.
Historical Context
The establishment of Mother's Day in 1914 took place against the backdrop of the Progressive Era in the United States. This period, roughly spanning from the 1890s to the 1920s, was characterized by widespread social activism and political reform. Women played a significant role in these movements, advocating for issues such as women's suffrage, child labor laws, and improved public health and sanitation.
The idea of celebrating motherhood was not new. Ancient Greeks and Romans held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. In early Christian times, the fourth Sunday in Lent was celebrated as Mothering Sunday in Britain. However, the American incarnation of Mother's Day as we know it today was largely the work of Anna Jarvis.
Jarvis' campaign for Mother's Day also coincided with a time when the role of women in American society was gradually changing. Women were entering the workforce in greater numbers, particularly in the growing industrial cities. The suffrage movement was gaining momentum, with women increasingly advocating for their right to vote and participate in politics. In this context, the establishment of Mother's Day was part of a broader conversation about the value and contribution of women to society.
Despite its eventual commercialization, which Jarvis strongly opposed, the establishment of Mother's Day marked a significant cultural shift in how motherhood was publicly recognized and celebrated. It institutionalized the sentiment of appreciating and honoring the role of mothers, not just within individual families but on a national scale.
Did You Know?
Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day, never married or had children herself.
Learn More
Memorializing Motherhood: Anna Jarvis and the Struggle for Control of Mother's Day - Katharine Lane Antolini
Motherhood in the United States: A Reference Handbook - Kimberly A. Chrisman-Campbell
Women in the Progressive Era - Dorothy Schneider, Carl J. Schneider
Ann Reeves Jarvis: Mothers' Work, Civil War, and the Origins of Mother's Day - Katharine Lane Antolini
Today’s Reflection
From the very beginning, God designed the family as the foundational unit of society, with each member playing a unique and vital role. Central to this design is the role of the mother, whose influence and impact cannot be overstated. As we celebrate Mother's Day, a tradition that began on this day in 1914, we have an opportunity to reflect on the biblical significance of motherhood and honor the women who have embraced this sacred calling.
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of godly women who played pivotal roles in God's plan. From Eve, the mother of all living, to Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Mary, the Bible is filled with stories of women who demonstrated faith, courage, and obedience. These women were not perfect, but they were chosen by God to bear and nurture the next generation, shaping history and leaving a lasting legacy.
In God's design, mothers are uniquely gifted to provide the love, nurture, and guidance that children need to thrive. They are the heart of the home, creating an atmosphere of warmth, security, and belonging. Through their sacrificial love, tireless service, and unwavering devotion, mothers reflect the very heart of God, who lovingly cares for His children.
The command to "Honor your father and your mother" in Exodus 20:12 underscores the significance of the parental role and the respect it deserves. Honoring our mothers is not merely a suggestion, but a divine mandate with far-reaching implications. It is a choice to recognize and appreciate the irreplaceable role they play in our lives, to respect their wisdom, value their sacrifices, and extend grace for their imperfections.
One of the beautiful aspects of motherhood is the diverse ways in which mothers use their unique gifts to care for their children. Some excel at creating a nurturing home environment, while others shine in their ability to teach and mentor. Some are prayer warriors, interceding daily for their children, while others lead by example in their service and compassion. Just as the Proverbs 31 woman is praised for her many admirable qualities, we can celebrate the varied strengths and contributions of our own mothers.
Moreover, by honoring our mothers, we are ultimately honoring God Himself. When we show love, respect, and gratitude to our mothers, we reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father, who loves us unconditionally and has given us the gift of family. It is an acknowledgment that motherhood, with all its joys and challenges, is a sacred trust and a divine calling.
So, as we observe Mother's Day each year, let us remember the biblical significance of this day and the enduring impact of motherhood. Let us express our gratitude for the love, sacrifice, and unique contributions of our mothers, not just on this holiday, but every day. And let us honor them, not just in word, but in deed, as a reflection of our obedience to God and our appreciation for His divine design for the family.
Practical Application
Take time today to express your gratitude to your mother or a mother figure in your life. Write a heartfelt letter or make a phone call to share specific ways she has positively influenced your life and how you appreciate her unique gifts and sacrifices. If your mother has passed away, spend time reflecting on her legacy and consider ways you can honor her memory, such as sharing stories with family members or carrying on a tradition she valued.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, on this special day, we come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the gift of motherhood. We praise You for Your divine wisdom in creating the family and for placing mothers at the heart of this blessed institution. We pray that You would bless and strengthen every mother today, giving them the grace, wisdom, and patience they need to fulfill their high calling. Help us to honor them, not just on this day, but every day, and to show them the same love and devotion they so generously give to us. We also lift up those for whom this day is difficult, asking that You would comfort them with Your peace and remind them of Your unfailing love. Thank You for the example of godly mothers throughout Scripture and for the way they point us to Your own nurturing heart. May we learn from their faith and seek to emulate their love. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Supplementary Study
"Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you."
Paul uses the metaphor of a nursing mother to illustrate the tender love and care that spiritual leaders should have for those they serve, giving us a glimpse into the nurturing nature of motherhood.
"And Mary said: 'My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior'"
Known as the Magnificat, Mary's song of praise not only expresses her own faithfulness but also foreshadows the important role she would play as the mother of Jesus.
"I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."
This verse highlights the important role mothers and grandmothers play in passing on the faith to younger generations.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the establishment of Mother's Day and the biblical command to honor our mothers, we are reminded of the irreplaceable role mothers play in God's design for the family. By celebrating their unique gifts, sacrifices, and influence, we not only express our gratitude but also align our hearts with God's heart for motherhood. May we commit to honoring our mothers, both in word and deed, not just on this special day, but every day, as a testament to our love for them and our obedience to God.
Community Engagement
Share your own thoughts or use these questions to get the conversation started.
Share a favorite memory or lesson learned from your mother or a mother figure in your life.
How can we honor and support mothers in our church and community throughout the year?
What are some practical ways we can show appreciation for the unique gifts and sacrifices of mothers?
For those who find Mother's Day difficult, how can we extend compassion and support?
In tomorrow’s lesson, we'll explore how the story of a small shop's humble beginnings can teach us profound truths about the power of generosity. Through the example of its founders, we'll discover that success and giving back aren't mutually exclusive, but rather intertwined in God's design for a prosperous and purposeful life.
However, as the holiday became more commercialized with the selling of flowers, candies, and cards, Anna Jarvis grew disillusioned. She believed that the original sentiment of the day was being sacrificed for profit. Ironically, Jarvis, who had worked so hard to establish Mother's Day, later became known for openly criticizing it and even trying to rescind the holiday.
Commercialized, just like Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Fathers day, etc.
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