A mother’s love, a lifetime of sacrifice

A mother’s love begins even before birth, when the unborn child grows in her womb and depends entirely on her for nourishment and protection. From that moment, motherhood becomes a lifelong journey of sacrifice, care and devotion.

A good mother provides not only the basic needs of her children but also instils values such as honesty, discipline and responsibility. She teaches wisdom through her words and actions, guiding her family with patience, compassion and selflessness.

A mother sacrifices for her children, often putting their well-being ahead of her own, even at great personal cost. She watches over her household with diligence and never forgets her children, no matter their age or circumstance.

As Mother Teresa once said, “A mother’s love is in action.” A mother loves deeply with her heart and expresses that love through care, sacrifice and understanding. She often becomes the refuge for pain, conflict and disappointment within the family.

Indeed, she is the bond that keeps the family together, and her love endures for a lifetime. For this reason, mothers deserve appreciation, honour and celebration.

History of Mother’s Day celebration

The modern celebration of Mother’s Day is often linked to Anna Jarvis, who organised a memorial service for her late mother in 1908. However, the tradition of honouring mothers dates back much earlier.

During the Middle Ages, members of the Catholic Church who worked far from their hometowns were given permission to return home during Lent to visit their mothers and attend church services. Men would often pick flowers along the roadside and present them to their mothers or leave them in church as a sign of appreciation and love.

Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in many parts of the world, with different cultures adopting unique traditions to honour mothers and motherhood.

Simple ways to celebrate mothers

One of the best ways to celebrate your mother is to spend quality time with her. Reconnect by reflecting on your family journey together — discussing the past, present and future.

Talk about strengths, challenges and hopes, and commit yourselves to staying united as a family.

Giving gifts is another meaningful gesture. The value of a gift is not measured by its price but by the love and intention behind it. Sometimes, the greatest gift a child can give is positive change — abandoning habits that disappoint or hurt their mother and striving to live responsibly and faithfully.

Prayer is also an important way to honour mothers. Pray that God grants them strength, wisdom and grace in fulfilling their role. If misunderstandings or hurts exist between mother and child, Mother’s Day offers an opportunity for forgiveness and reconciliation.

It is true that while many mothers are loving and supportive, others may fall short in their responsibilities. Yet forgiveness remains essential. Holding onto bitterness clouds the heart and prevents healing. As taught in the Bible, forgiveness is necessary for peace and spiritual growth.

Mothers: The foundation of love

No one easily forgets the love of a mother — the sleepless nights, the sacrifices and the unwavering support she offers, especially during difficult times.

In Ghana, there are countless stories of mothers selling their belongings or sacrificing their comfort to educate and care for their children, while enduring hardships with resilience and hope.

Many great thinkers and writers have spoken about the value of mothers:

“God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers.” — Rudyard Kipling

“A good mother is irreplaceable.” — Adriana Trigiani

“Mother is the name of God on the lips and hearts of little children.” — William Makepeace Thackeray

“If love is as sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower.” — Stevie Wonder

“We are born of love; love is our mother.” — Rumi

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us support and appreciate mothers everywhere, for their love and care sustain humanity itself.

Motherhood is a daily choice to nurture, sacrifice and guide others with compassion. Since mothers shape families and society, celebrating them is truly a celebration of humanity.

Happy Mother’s Day in advance.                             

Email. Jydboakye.yahoo.com. The writer is the director of Eudoo Counselling Centre, West Legon. He is also the author of ‘Your Guide to Marriage, Love Unlimited and the Journey of Love '.
Mob 0208181861