Listen to the Mothers
Yesterday was Mother’s Day here in the United States. Many of us celebrated with our mothers and others remembered and honored their mothers. But is this enough? Isn’t it time we listen to the mothers of the world and be in solidarity with their concerns and dreams?
Listen: I am 87 and a mother of two grown daughters. I am very independent but there are times that I am lonely, wishing my family was closer. There are times I am afraid for myself – what will happen when I can’t care for myself. What will happen to me and my sisters worldwide who are the seniors of society?
Listen: I am a mother of teenagers. I’m worried and scared, and I’m not sure what to do about my youngest son who is in trouble in school. He’s skipping, not doing his homework and failing his courses. The kids he runs with seem to be doing the same thing. Are they on drugs and getting involved with the drug dealers in our community? I need help and so do all mothers facing these turbulent days.
Listen: I am a mother whose children are involved in the struggles for justice and freedom within our country. All my family believes in the goals for which we are fighting, but there are days when I wonder if all this is worth it. Isn’t there a better way? Can change and justice come about without all this violence? I’m scared for myself and my children. I pray like all mothers of the world that peace will come and come before it is too late.
Listen: I am a single mother trying to support myself and my daughter. My husband walked out several months ago because he had been out of work for two years. He couldn’t face seeing me working two low-paying jobs to keep food on the table. What am I to do? Am I going to have to go on welfare? What are my options and those of my sisters in the same predicament?
Listen: I am a mother of three lovely children. My husband has a good job. We are active in our community and church. I know my situation is better than most, but I am not spending my time feeling guilty. I am working with a group of women to get a day-care center established and I am also a child advocate for juvenile offenders in our court system. I enjoyed Mother’s Day with my family, but at the same time, I thought about the many mothers of the world.
Listen to the mothers of the world – their cries of joy, pain, grief, hunger, despair and love echo in our ears. They are our mothers and grandmothers. They need us. Listen and act!
Joyce D. Sohl has been Laywoman-in-Residence since 2009 as a full-time volunteer. She retired as CEO of United Methodist Women in 2004. She is the author of 4 books, a teacher, retreat leader, writer and non-professional musician. Here at the Center her work is in the area of Spirituality & the Arts with such programs as Tuesdays in the Chapel, Vespers & All That Jazz, Poet’s Corner, and quarterly retreats and art exhibits.