by 
I was never much a fan of Mother’s Day. Growing up my family called it and Father’s Day “Hallmark holidays.” And in my lifetime, that’s mostly what it was – cards and flowers and chocolate, and maybe brunch. But when I learned the story of how the second Sunday of May became a celebration of mothers, my feelings began to change. I’d like to share with you a little of the story, too.
Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis, a devout Christian, dedicated her life to serving her community and nurturing peace among her neighbors. After losing several children before the age of seven, she began organizing “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to address public health issues such as sanitation, access to medication, and nursing care for the sick. When the Civil War began, she called together four of these Work Clubs and asked them to pledge that “friendship and goodwill would not be a victim of the conflict between the states.”* These many women worked throughout the war, nursing injured soldiers from both sides, saving many lives. Her peacemaking and social activism before, during and after the Civil War not only healed wounds but also sowed the seeds of change throughout her community.
After Mother Jarvis’ death in 1905, her daughter Anna Jarvis sought to honor her mother’s memory and the sacrificial love of all mothers. Anna’s vision led to the establishment of Mother’s Day, a day specifically dedicated to recognizing the silent, yet powerful work mothers perform day in and day out. This day was not meant merely as a celebration, but as a call to pause and reflect on the roles mothers play in reconciliation and community building.
As followers of Christ, we too are called to be peacemakers, to remember and act in the service of others just as Mother Jarvis did. Mother’s Day is not just a day for flowers and cards (although these things are nice), but it should but also a day for rekindling our commitment to the mission works we are part of, in the compassionate spirit of our guide, Jesus. Jesus who also committed to serving all who were in need, regardless of their backgrounds.
This Mother’s Day let’s remember Mother Jarvis’ legacy and embrace our call to service and to nurturing peace within our families and our communities. Let us honor our mothers, and all who mother, by committing ourselves anew to the work of Christ in the world. And also, enjoy your flowers and brunch. There’s room for both expressions of love for the mothering figures in our lives this week.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Robin
* legacyproject.org/guides/mdhistory.html
