As we
approach Mother’s Day in Warren
and elsewhere, we need to celebrate the unique blessing of motherhood. We all
have a “button” in our middle, which reminds us that we were all literally
attached to a woman who birthed us into the world. That’s significant, and
places great tribute upon motherhood. Moms are special, and have been the stabilizing
factor of family life from the start.
The
privilege of career mothers has been played down in our present society, resulting
in a greater “poverty” than the one politicians harp on. It’s been said that,
“the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” I believe that the feminist
movement has “shortchanged” the freedom and purpose of women. The attempt to
compete with men has been misguided, leaving many middle-aged women frustrated,
disillusioned, and unfulfilled.
Don’t
misunderstand, men and women are equal, but they have different God-given roles
in life. Certainly the present economy may dictate a mother working outside of
the home, but not at the expense of the family. It behooves a husband to take
the prime responsibility for family support; no man can take charge of the home
like a dedicated “mom.” Not only is he unable to birth children, but he doesn’t
have the motherly touch in using an “apron” to wipe away tears and dirt from
little faces! What “job” could ever compare with being a successful mother?
“Who can find a virtuous (excellent) woman?
For her price (worth) is far above rubies,” says Solomon. (Prov. 31:10) Such a
woman is scarce in a society which promotes confusion of the sexes. We need a resurgence
of strong, loving moms---“liberated” to fulfill their unique profession.
The
following tribute gives due honor to a virtuous mother. It’s called, “The World’s
Meanest Mom.”
“I had the meanest mother in the
whole world. While other kids had no breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs, and
toast. When others had pop and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. My
mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You’d think we were on a
chain gang. She had to know who our friends were and what we were doing. She
insisted that if we said we’d be gone for an hour that we would be gone for one
hour or less.
I am ashamed to admit it, but she
actually had the nerve to break the child labor law. She made us wash the
dishes, make beds, learn to cook, and all sorts of cruel things. I believe she
lay awake nights thinking up mean things for us to do. She always insisted that
we tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers she
was much wiser, and our lives became even more miserable. None of this tooting
the horn of a car for us to come running. She embarrassed us to no end by
making our dates and friends come to the door to get us. My mother was a complete failure as
a mother. None of us have ever been arrested or beaten a rap. Each of my
brothers has served a mission, and his country. And whom do we have to blame
for this terrible way we turned out? You’re right—our mean mother. Look at all
the things we have missed. We never got to take part in a riot, burn draft
cards, and a million and one other things that our friends did. She made us
grow up into educated, honest adults. Using this as a background, I am trying
to raise my children. I stand a little taller and I am filled with pride when my
children call me mean. You see, I thank God that he gave me the meanest mother
in the whole world.”
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