Abraham Lincoln said of his own mother, “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mother.” Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “men are what their mothers make them.” Bruce Springsteen’s biggest fan was his mom. He would often show case her at the many concerts she would attend and thank her for all that she did for him. In fact, still to this day he credits his mother for his career and her courage in taking out a loan when he was only 16 years old and buying him his very first guitar. Now I don’t know if Springsteen ever paid her back, but her investment certainly paid off.
This Sunday, many will pay homage to their moms. Sending cards and flowers, making phone calls, even visiting graves. Many will be like Springsteen, Emerson and Lincoln, giving thanks and credit to their mothers for what they have accomplished or thanking them for how they turned out.
I am more closely akin to the young recruit while being interviewed for the police academy who was asked what he would do if he had to arrest his own mother – his answer, “call for backup.” My relationship with my mom has always been complicated. I typically call for backup when dealing with her.
For me, Mother’s Day is not easy. There is not a card designer in the world that would ever put into words the correct sentiment for me when it comes to my mother. Perhaps you may feel the same way either because of your relationship with your own mom or perhaps you have struggled to be a mom. No matter how you feel about this “Hallmark” holiday do not fret. Enjoy the day for what it is, an opportunity to acknowledge the female role models in your life.
I am grateful to my dad who often had to be both mom and dad to me when my mom was “out of sorts”. I was also blessed with wonderful “southern grandmothers”, both related and unrelated to me that stood in the gap, raised me up, and convinced me I could do anything I put my mind to. There were also teachers, Girl Scout leaders and other mothers, some of whom never had children themselves, who were great moms to me, who mentored and encouraged me throughout my life.
So even if you have a love-hate relationship with Mother’s Day, do not let that stop you from being a good role model and mentor to someone else. You never know what child in your circle of influence will need that from you. I know I did.
On the journey,
Ramonalynn Bethley
Ramonalynn Bethley is the Lead Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. You can contact Ramonalynn directly at DrRevRL@fumca.org.