“My son, keep your father’s commandments, and forsake not your mother’s teachings. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”
– Proverbs 6:20-22
All month this column has been sharing articles from mothers in response to: “What Have Been Your Greatest Joys of Motherhood?” As you read these amazing responses, this writer prays you are blessed and encouraged by the submissions this week:
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The greatest honor for me would be to extend my gratitude to my mother. I am the 10th child of 13. My mother, Dorothea C. Ralph, who will be 75 years old in August 2016, is a strong, proud mother of eight of all but three of my siblings. As a single parent, she juggled two jobs to provide throughout the years, teaching basic skills and training my elder siblings to care for those of us that were younger. Many times our meals were creative. However, I cannot remember ever needing or wanting anything. Her character has shaped, molded, and cultivated the men and women we’ve all become. She kept a very firm hand and delivered wisdom in every instance. Although her strength has diminished immensely, she has always been and still is, a force to be reckoned with, especially where her children are concerned. My mother continues to be God’s beautiful blessing to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and me. The core values she has instilled in us all we can now carry on for generations to come. I, Dagmar Ralph, am an extension of my mother. I thank her and wish her “Happy Mother’s Day!”
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I never thought I would get the chance to be a mother but I’ve been blessed three times with the most joyous gifts. My first joy of motherhood is that my children don’t discriminate against me. They love me for me, not for what I have or what I look like. The second joy of motherhood is whenever I’m having a bad day they always give me strength to be a better person than I was yesterday. Last but not least is that my children and I get to make everlasting memories each day. I have many other great joys but these are the ones that stood out the most.
– Ashley Kerrens
Mother of 3: Isaiah, 9, Zion, 4 and Genesis, 2 months old
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Motherhood has tested my strength in all sorts of ways. My role as a mother requires me to be a nurturer, teacher, nurse, magician and sometimes a drill sergeant. However, it’s a journey that began 13 years ago and has allowed me to grow into a better person. This ride has given me a sense of purpose. As I look in my son’s eyes, I see my baby boy that came into this world 2 months early to meet me. I also see the hard work that I have put into raising such a handsome, mannerable, young man. He’s my favorite boy, my heartbeat, and my rock. I thank God for my blessing and trusting me as a mother. Although it can be challenging at times and we don’t always see eye to eye, I would give anything to make sure he’s happy.
– Chanel Burgess
Mother of Jaylen, 13
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“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”
– Sophia Loren
Next Week: Celebration of Motherhood Continuation
The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply or utilize information or recommendations made in this article, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.