African American mothers can face a myriad of tests in today’s times. Raising children in a world of school shootings, cyber bulling, police encounters and drug abuse could make one fearful to let youngsters out of the house.
Fortunately, God is present with us, even in the midst of setbacks, hurdles and fears. With Mother’s Day approaching, the L.A. Sentinel reached out to three first ladies who reaffirmed the power of God to protect, guide and bless those who believe on the name of Jesus.
Here are their responses to the question: “What spiritual words of encouragement can you share with Black mothers dealing with challenging circumstances?”
First Lady Dr. Betty Price of Crenshaw Christian Center: “God is real, Jesus is real, and the Holy Spirit is real. Mothers should trust their children’s lives to God by faith, and He will help them overcome any circumstances.
“Psalm 37:4 says to ‘delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.’ Psalm 84:11 says ‘no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.’ Jesus said in John 15:5 that ‘without Him you can do nothing.’
“So trust your children to Jesus; He will help you with them.”
First Lady Myesha Chaney of Antioch Church of Long Beach: “You are doing it. You are waking up every day and jumping in the race of life.
“Even in difficult times, you continue to move forward. You care for your family, community, and you still find time to serve your church.
“God sees you and deeply cares for you. You are not alone. There is hope, healing, and strength in the One who holds this world in his hand.
“Be encouraged. Your story is still being written.”
First Lady Lashawnda Jackson of Bryant Temple AME Church
To all of our Black mothers caring for our families, be encouraged and know that with God, we can make it.
“As mothers, we go through trials and tribulations, but rejoice in knowing that God is still in control.
“We must ‘trust in the Lord with all our hearts’ as it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, I encourage you to continue to stand when everything is falling around you.”
