A 7-year-old along with his 9-year-old brother presented their mom with a simple little house plant. They had saved and pooled their allowance to purchase this gift and she was tickled and thrilled.
The older of them said with a sad face, "There was a bouquet that we wanted to give you at the flower shop. It was real pretty, but we didn't have enough money. It had a ribbon on it that said, "Rest In Peace." We thought it would be perfect for you since you are always asking us for a little peace so that you can get your rest."
It's interesting to note that the first Mother's Day was observed in 1908 in a small country church in West Virginia. A young lady, by the name of Anna Jarvis, held an intimate memorial service in honor of her mother's life and her passing. Never could they have imagined that out of this small, private and informal service a national holiday would be established. What a testimony of the power and influence of a little love and honor. In the year of 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a time to give honor to all women.
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Rev. John Brady
The Bible tells us that we are to give honor where honor is due. God himself ordained the act of giving and bestowing honor to others. To bestow honor means to recognize and to intentionally assign and allocate significance and value on a person for who they are, for their services and for their life's accomplishments.
Giving and expressing honor on Mother's Day is so spiritually significant. It is the obedience and fulfillment of one of God's Ten Commandments that declares to us, "Honor your father and mother."
The high calling of womanhood and motherhood comes with the blessings and honor of God himself.
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Reflections, a mini-sermon written by Minot and area clergy, will appear each Saturday in The Minot Daily News. Clergy interested in writing a mini-sermon should contact Religion Editor Loretta Johnson at 857-1952 or Debbie Sandvold at 857-1950. The toll-free number is 1-800-735-3229.
This Mother's Day we wish to express our love and gratitude for all that you ladies do and yet most of all simply for who you are. Thank you!
May God's blessings be upon your life in every way.
Happy Mother's Day ladies.
Rev. John Brady is pastor of First Assembly of God Church in Minot.