Anna Jarvis (1864-1948) is the recognized founder of Mother’s Day. At the close of a Sunday School lesson in 1876, Anna’s mother is quoted as saying, I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mothers day commemorating her for the matchless service she renders to humanity in every field of life. She is entitled to it. Thirty years later, after her mother’s death, Anna led her Methodist church to have a memorial service commending the role of mothers, handing out 500 white carnations on May 10, 1908. By the 1920’s she became disgusted with the way Mother’s Day had been commercialized and loudly voiced her regret at being its founder: A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment!  Anna Jarvis never married and had no children of her own.

Mother’s Day is a day for reflection on the role our mothers have played in our lives, yet, for many it is a day filled with conflicted emotions and regret. The first Mother’s Day after a mother has died is often incredibly painful, as well as all the Mother’s Days following the loss of a child. As a pastor, I feel the heart cry of the couples who wanted children, but it did not/could not happen. I hear the pain of the “unwanted.” I listen to incredibly difficult stories of mother-child animosities and abusive addictions. I see the broken hearts of the grandmothers who have their grandchildren torn from them by divorce or court order. Yet, God has given us a rich gift in our complicated and sometimes messy families. Through it all, you and I have become who we are because God’s love has embraced us, nurtured us, and redeemed us. 

Keep healthy. Pray mightily. Enjoy your life today. Encourage a mother. And let’s experience the love and power of God together.

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