Honouring Mothers

Mother’s Day was an event initiated by Ann Jarvis, who had been a peace activist and cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War. In 1914, the 28th President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother’s Day, held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honour mothers. Mother means possessing the traits of motherhood. It is portrayed in Scripture and extends far beyond the act of giving birth. The bible also calls on mothers to be virtuous and to pattern their character after God’s design (Prov.31:1-10).It is found in nurturing, teaching, sacrificing, praying, guiding, and shaping lives with faith and love. The Bible does not present motherhood through a single image or experience. Instead, it reveals women from different backgrounds, carrying different burdens and journeys, yet each becoming an instrument in God’s larger purpose. Their stories continue to speak powerfully, especially on Mother’s Day. The story begins with Eve, the first mother in human history. Though her life was marked by failure, pain, and the consequences of human weakness, God still worked through her to continue His divine plan. Eve reminds humanity that motherhood is not about perfection, but about perseverance and the ability to carry hope even after brokenness. Jochebed, the mother of Moses, represents courage and trust. Faced with danger and uncertainty, she hid her child and later released him into God’s care by placing him in the Nile. Her story reflects the painful strength of mothers who must let go while still believing that God’s protection is greater than their own. Hannah stands as the image of a praying mother. She knew disappointment, longing, and unanswered questions, yet she turned her sorrow into faith-filled prayer. God answered her cries and blessed her with Samuel, proving that a mother’s prayers can shape generations. Among the most revered mothers in Scripture is Mary, the mother of Jesus. Young and uncertain, she faced misunderstanding and hardship, yet she surrendered herself completely to God’s will. Her quiet obedience changed the course of history. Lois and Eunice reveal another dimension of motherhood; the passing of faith from one generation to another. Through their guidance and example, spiritual truth was planted deeply in the life of Timothy. Naomi, despite losing her husband and sons, became a source of wisdom and restoration to Ruth. Her story shows that motherhood can also emerge through compassion, mentorship, and care. Being virtuous as mentioned in the Proverbs 31, it also means being wise in being a good mother, wife, housekeeper and handling finances. It is true that a virtuous mother inspires her family to love and honour God. Much of a mother’s labor remains unseen and uncelebrated, yet Scripture reminds us that no sacrifice, prayer, or act of love is ever unnoticed by God. Whether rejoicing or grieving, raising children or guiding others through life, mothers continue to leave lasting marks upon families, communities, and generations. In contemporary Naga society, the image of a “good mother” is often shaped by religious and cultural expectations that celebrate sacrifice, care, and devotion. While these virtues remain important, motherhood must go beyond social recognition or moral certification. What Nagaland needs today are not merely mothers praised by society, but godly mothers guided by faith, integrity, wisdom, and strong moral conviction. A mother’s influence extends far beyond the home; it shapes the values, character, and future of generations. When mothers embrace the responsibility of nurturing truth, discipline, compassion, and ethical living, they become the foundation of a healthier and more progressive society. The future of Nagaland depends not only on political leadership or economic growth, but also on the moral strength cultivated within its homes by godly mothers.