Last Mothers’ Day

John 19:25 Jesus’ mother stood near his cross. Her sister was also standing there with Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

Today is Mother’s Day in most parts of the world. Not everywhere, but almost everywhere. Mother’s Day is a special day when we remember the sacrifices our mothers have made. But for some mothers, it’s a day of tragedy.

Right from the very beginning of our lives, our mothers suffered for us. Childbirth is, after all, an act of great pain and discomfort for most mothers.

It struck me probably when I was in my late forties, that my birthday wasn’t just my celebration each year, but also my mother’s celebration. After all, she was the one who brought me into this world.

Last Mothers’ Day, I had the privilege to speak at a church just outside a township on the Western Cape in South Africa. Now, if you’re not South African, let me explain, a township is a place of violence, a place of poverty and a place, generally, of social dysfunction.

Before I stood up to speak, the pastor explained to me that in the congregation, there were three mothers whose sons had been shot dead since last Mother’s Day, as a result of gang violence.

This was not going to be your soft, pink, fluffy slippers kind of a Mother’s Day, like the ads on TV. It was truly, one of the most moving Mother’s Days that I have ever been party to.

John 19:25 Jesus’ mother stood near his cross. Her sister was also standing there with Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

If your mother is still alive, whatever you do, today, remember how much she’s done for you, how much she’s sacrificed for you, how much she’s suffered for you.

The presents, they’re nice. But what she really wants from you, today, is to hear you say, “I love you mum.”

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.

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