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What Was the Original Meaning of Mother’s Day?

What Was the Original Meaning of Mother’s Day?

Last updated on: May 14, 2023 at 4:22 pm by Rebecca Wallace Keene

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What Was the Original Meaning of Mother’s Day? 2023-05-14T16:22:22-04:00 Rebecca Wallace Keene

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Original Meaning of Mother's Day Created with AI by Rebecca Keene

Original Meaning of Mother’s Day

Today each of us is honoring our mothers and the sacrifices they have made for us. However, few of us realize that was not the original meaning of Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day was created to be about mothers creating the world they wanted their children to live in.

The Original Meaning of Mother’s Day

Recently, I have been reading Gloria Steinman’s book, The Truth Will Set You Free But First It Will Piss You Off. In the book, Gloria states, “What Julia Ward Howe had in mind in 1870 when she invented Mother’s Day for Peace was a day on which we oppose war and advance peace.” I believe I had learned this piece of feminist history before. Still, we get caught up in the modern holiday celebration and forget to celebrate the original meaning of Mother’s Day.

Do the Mothering

So this Mother’s Day, while we celebrate our mother, let us remember to do the mothering. We must fight for the world we want to leave our children. As mothers, we are called to nurture and protect the most vulnerable members of society. Our job as mothers is to protect those who can not yet defend themselves. This is what we must never forget.

Protect and Nurture

Clearly, G-d has called us to protect the young and the defenseless. Psalms 127:3 reminds us, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” However, mothering doesn’t stop with our own children. Proverbs 24:11-12 commands us:

“Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
   hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
12 If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”
    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,
    and will he not repay man according to his work?”

Create The World You Want

Protecting our children and the defenseless means we must create the world we want our children to live in. Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” If we are to do this, then we must teach them peace. We must fight for peace in the world. Proverbs 16:7 reminds us, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Leviticus 19:18 warns, ” 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”

Call To Remember The Original Meaning of Mother’s Day

In conclusion, mothers work hard. They have perhaps the hardest job on the planet. Therefore, it is nice for a mother to be honored for a day. Yet, let us never forget that Mother’s Day was originally a call for peace. The original meaning of Mother’s Day was for mothers to fight for the kind of world they want their children to occupy. So, today do something that promotes that meaning. Whether that be something as big as joining a humanitarian movement or as small as talking to your child about the importance of making peace with their enemies, do not let this day end without taking action to make the world a safer place for our children and theirs.

Note From the Author

Finally, I apologize to our readers for not posting last week. The internet was not working properly. I pray those issues are resolved now.

Please also see Your Children’s Future is Determined by Your Relationship With G-d for more information on Biblical parenting,

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Family, Parenting and Religion

About Rebecca Keene

The author, Rebecca Keene, has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Religion. She graduated from the University of Pikeville as Religion Honor Student in 2014. Currently, she is studying for a MA in Women, Gender, Spirituality, and Social Justice at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Also, Rebecca is the author of FAITH UNDER THE RAINBOW: RECLAIMING THE TRUTH ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE BIBLE. In addition, she founded and independently runs the social media community, Reclaiming the Truth. Therefore, you should visit Rebecca's author page and purchase her books at: Amazon Author Page or: Publication Page Rebecca is currently in her 3rd year of Kabbalah study. She is ordained to perform LGBT weddings and is certified in Hypnotherapy. Rebecca lives in Kentucky with her two adult children. She practices Non-Denominational Judaism. She is passionate about social justice and fiercely advocates for the marginalized in society and religion. When not with her children or writing, Rebecca enjoys spending time in nature, with G-d, or in a good book. She also enjoys making and selling art which you can find at Art by Rebecca. Author, Rebecca Keene, is always happy to hear from readers. You may contact her through the Reclaiming the Truth page on Facebook, or you can email [email protected] Rebecca will try to answer all correspondence, but please be patient, as life is busy for us all. You can read more about the author here.

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