By Ralphine Major

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”  Mark 10:14 (NIV)

Mothers.  They are the very fabric that holds our families together.  As the national holiday approaches to honor our mothers, I think about the different roles of motherhood.

I think about birth mothers, foster mothers, and stepmothers.  I think of comments I have heard about women who have “been like a mother.”  I think about mothers who have adopted their children.  I think about mothers who hold public office or work outside the home and mothers who are stay-at-home moms.  I think about four small children in the news recently who lost their mother in a tragic car crash and the grandmother who is now stepping into the role of their mother.  I think about a mother who passed away leaving behind a young son and how proud she would be of the young man he has become.

As we honor mothers on this second Sunday of May, may we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for giving us mothers who love and nurture; pray and protect; and surround their children with patience, care, and guidance.  Happy Mother’s Day!!