On May 8, 1914, Congress passed a joint resolution to establish the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day. Then on May 9th, the President signed the first proclamation saying, “I, Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States . . . invite the people of the United States to display the [United States] flag . . . as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”
The proclamation sounded incredibly patriotic as I read it. Nothing was said about cards, candy and roses, but flying the American flag. It seemed odd. Then I got it. Embedded in the foundation of the United States are its mothers.
During the years 1776 to 1914 America fought in numerous wars beginning with the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War among others. Following 1914, America entered into World War I, then World War II. How could young husbands with children have gone off to defend this nation without courageous wives and mothers staying behind to defend their homes and care for their children? Thousands of these women never saw their husbands return becoming widows at an early age.
The role of women in our nation has changed much since 1776 and even 1914. Today, America’s landscape is filled with mom’s serving in the workforce, military and in elected office. However, the value of service they provide their families and America hasn’t changed. I sincerely believe there would be no America if it wasn’t for the sacrifice of our moms.
God also is embedded in the foundation of our nation. The acknowledgement and worship of God is evident throughout the historical accounts of America’s founding. However, where would the role of God be in our country without godly mothers? Mothers who carried out their faith by example and purposely invested godly qualities in their children. The difference between a good mom and a great mom is God. The Scriptures say, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).
The future of America is not bound up in our military might, academic achievements or financial strength. America’s hope rests in the priority of God and that begins in our homes with godly mom’s helping to raise godly boys and girls. Mom, America salutes you! May Jesus be your hope for today.
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