Churches, throughout Anguilla, joined with their counterparts everywhere, on Saturday and Sunday gone, to observe Mothers’ Day and the influence that responsible motherhood and parenting can have in homes, communities and, indeed, the world society.
Invitations were extended to The Anguillian and other media houses to provide coverage of the many events where possible. Two such invitations came from the planning committees of the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church and St. Mary’s Anglican Church.
Most, if not all of the churches, climaxed their services with special brunches mainly for women and served by the menfolk.
The Mount Fortune SDA Church held its event at Dorack’s Place/Masara Resort at Katouche, a scenic location frequented by public and private sector gatherings. Pastor Trent Berg paid particular homage to women in general for their important work either as single parents or as mothers in established family homes. He issued the following statement afterwards:
“The Bible teaches that a great, God-given responsibility rests on all mothers to shape and mould the direction of their children and subsequently the nation. This was evident in the lives of several mothers given honourable mention in the Holy Scriptures. There was Jochebed, the mother of Moses and a woman of faith who helped raise the ‘deliverer of Israel’. There was also Hannah, a woman of earnest, sincere prayer who helped raised Samuel, the faithful and uncorrupted judge of Israel. And then there was Elizabeth, the kind mother of John the Baptist. Jesus called him ‘the greatest prophet ever born to a woman’.
“The early positive influences exerted by a God-fearing mother on the unborn, and the very young, can carry ripples of blessings to many more around the home and community. Children should be taught to regard the time of family worship and time alone with God in prayer each morning. Never should the day begin without prayer. In the absence of the father, the mother should gather the children about her and lead them in the singing of praise to God. Time should be given to reading the Holy Scriptures. Then prayer should be offered for God’s protection and blessing on the children before they are sent to school. If more mothers exerted this holy influence on their children, we would experience less crime and less intolerance in our society. There would be much more kindness and tolerance exhibited by our children especially during the unpleasant moments of the day.
“However, I want to say to our mothers: you are deserving of our time and affection. Like a chef, you have prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner for us, and even for our neighbors. Like a foreman, you have given us homework; yard work, and work in the ‘ground’. Like a master psychologist, you have cried with us; wiped our tears; and motivated us to do our best in school. Like a nurse, you have attended to our burns, bruises, and other injuries. Like a sympathizing friend, you know our struggles, our allergies, and our fears. Like a security guard, you were present watching over us in the waiting room, the emergency room, and the delivery room. Like a special events coordinator, you celebrated our birthdays, graduations, and weddings. Like an educator, you showed us how to cook; how to use the potty; and how to pray. We know that we can never repay you for all that you do for us each day. We just want to say a heartfelt ‘Thank you’.”
At St. Mary’s Anglican Church, the Mothers’ Day Service was conducted by Reverend Menes Hodge who also saluted, commended and counselled all women, but the message was delivered by a mother, Mrs. Maeza Demis-Adams, Health Planner in the Ministry of Social Development.
Following are some excerpts from her Mothers’ Day Message:
“If you’re a mother, you know that motherhood can be messy, and at times frustrating and exhausting. And there are no foolproof formulas. Right? Children are different. And you can raise two children exactly the same and they might turn out very differently!
“Being a mom is not easy! And so today, it is very appropriate and right to pause and say ”Thank You” to our mothers, and to honor them, and thank God for them.
“Ephesians 6: ‘Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right’. 2 ‘Honor your father and mother’ – which is the first commandment with a promise – 3 ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’
“This scripture illustrates the very important relationship between parents and children. Children are commanded by God to honour, which means to give the greatest respect and esteem to their parents. The scripture goes on and promises that if you uphold this commandment all will be well with you, in this life. What a powerful affirmation given to children, one that should not be taken lightly.
“Proverbs 1 7-9 : ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head, and ornaments about your neck.’
“Mothers this honour comes with great responsibility. It means that we have to strive to ensure that our children are provided with all the love and care so that they are productive , God fearing citizens . It means that we must instill the love of God and love for mankind. Notice that I did not say provided with all the best things, because material things are superficial and getting caught up with providing material things for our children , the things that we did not have when we were young, are not as important as providing them with our time , love and teaching.
“I especially encourage other mothers with sons to be mindful of their sons’ needs. Our boys are under immense pressure from all manner of evil. In Latin America and the Caribbean, increasing rates of violence and homicide continue to be a challenge. Caribbean countries have some of the highest homicide rates globally. In fact, while the Caribbean region is home to 8.5% of the world’s population, it has nearly one-third (27%) of the world’s homicides (World Health Organization Report on Violence). Some estimates suggest that homicide rates in the Caribbean are higher than any other sub-region in the world. Young men are at higher risk of engaging in, and being victims of, violent acts especially homicide and suicide. Alcohol and drug abuse are also very high and are contributing factors in addition to low educational attainment.
“Our sons are hurting. They need us, our prayers, our guidance, our love and they need to know the love of God. Many times in my professional capacity I hear about parents who have given up on their children – don’t know what to do – if you are in that position I want to share with you that there is help. The schools have counselors that are willing to assist, the Department of Education also has a substance abuse counselor, and the Departments of Probation and Social Development have trained social workers that might be able to give some guidance. The Department of Youth and Culture has a number of programmes to reach youth in need. You are not alone. Please reach out to the above mentioned agencies for help. ”
Her message was followed by a brunch served by members of the St. Mary’s Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s chaired by Mr. Marcel Fahie.
