Mother’s Day is May 12 and the observance usually means gifts and enjoyment for women who serve in that role. Unfortunately, in these troubled times, some women are facing overwhelming troubles and obstacles in their lives, which makes it hard to celebrate in the midst of their situation.
The L.A. Sentinel asked three local first ladies to offer words of encouragement to mothers who may be facing challenging circumstances. Below are their responses.
First Lady Jacquelyn Calloway, Bethel AME Church
It has been said that challenges are often tools by which God fashions us for better things. As mothers, when challenges come, don’t break down, rather breakthrough with L.O.V.E. – Listen to the voice of God or the Spirit within. Overlook or overcome the obstacles or negativity in the way. Value the things that are important to you. Encourage yourself, even if nobody else does.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthians with these words: “Now abides faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13
First Lady Fredericka Santee, Philippian Baptist Church
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who continues to show us extraordinary favor. I want to let you know that God will reward you for faithfulness. God’s plan for your life is that you have joy and live life to the fullest.
He allows you to experience challenging circumstances so you can learn to love and trust Him in deeper ways, so you can grow more mature, developing a strong character to become more like Jesus, Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
First Lady Togetta Ulmer, Faithful Central Baptist Church
I would like to encourage mothers who are facing challenges to just remember, first of all, that God’s got you. He’s got your back and never cease to pray about whatever the problem is.
Also remember that you are loved by your children, regardless of the problems that you are facing. Most importantly, God loves you and sees you and everything that you’re doing to try to change your situation. He is in front of it and He loves you more than you can ever imagine.
Don’t give up, keep going. The Bible says, “The race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, (Ecclesiastes 9:11) but to the person who endures until the end” (Matthew 24:13). They have the wherewithal. See it through to the end and remember that you can make it!
