As we look at history, as far back as the 1600’s, there has been some organized attempt to show respect and honor to mothers on some particular day.  In the United States it was first suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1872 to have special Mother’s Day.

In 1907 Anna Jarvis organized a campaign to have Mother’s Day celebrated nationwide.  This idea became popular and in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that the second Sunday in May should be that day and declared it a national holiday.

The Bible tells us that being a mother is a position that is filled with responsibility, love and honor.

Mothers are responsible.  Solomon writes of mothers being industrious home managers, able to accomplish a wide array of tasks while causing the family to call her blessed (Proverbs 31:27-28).  As a parent she shares the responsibility to train her children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:7)  Timothy was blessed to have a mother and grandmother who taught him in the ways of God (2 Timothy 1:5).

Mothers are full of love.  In 1 Kings 3:16-28 we find the story of Solomon and the two mothers brought before him.  One mother had accidentally smothered her infant during the night, and then replaced him with the son of the other mother.  The next day each mother claimed the living baby.  With his great wisdom, Solomon found out who the real mother was.  Through her great love she was willing to give up the child, rather than see him die.

Mothers are honorable.  In the Old Testament, if a child showed disrespect to a parent by hitting or cursing the parent, that child was to be put to death (Exodus 21:15; 17).  Solomon wrote in several places how parents should be honored (Proverbs 1:8; 10:1; 15:20; 17:25; 19:26).  God intends for us to respect, love and honor our mothers.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (Ephesians 6:1-3)

A special day of honor for mothers is a worthy event.  Gifts, favors and hugs are certainly nice; but the best way to honor a Christian mother is to live righteously each and every day. – From an article by Mike Baker, west Erwin church of Christ, Tyler, TX