Now & Then, 05/07/2026

The Bible gives us many examples of good mothers.
Mary, mother of Jesus, was the most well-known mother in the Bible. Mary conceived Jesus, the Son of God, through the Holy Spirit. She was visited by the angel Gabriel, who informed her of the unique privilege she had of bearing God’s Son. Mary responded with humility, rejoicing in the Lord’s greatness, and He blessed her.
Eve, the first mother, is often seen as an archetype of motherhood and humanity.
Hannah, mother of Samuel, was a woman of intense prayer who longed for a child, then dedicated her son Samuel to God’s service, showing deep devotion and faithfulness.
Jochebed, mother of Moses, showed great courage and faith by defying Pharoah to save her baby.
Elizabeth, mother of John the Babtist, was described as righteous and blameless, trusting in God’s timing to conceive in her old age.
Sarah, mother of Isaac showed a profound dedication to her son in her old age, laughing with joy at God’s faithfulness.
Mothers in the Bible represent diverse experiences, including faith, infertility, adoption, and sacrifice, highlighting both the joys and the struggles of motherhood.
I will always remember listening to Rev. Fred Ohlrogge’s Mother’s Day sermons. They were always fiery. I can assure you that no one slept through his sermons. Rev. Ohlrogge spoke of the Fifth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:12 which says: “Honor your father and mother, that their days may be long.”
He went on to explain it means to show respect, value and esteem, treating parents with significance in word and action. He explained it is a lifelong duty and is not limited to childhood; it continues into adulthood.
Reverend Ohlrogge said the commandment doesn’t say, “if you have a good mother, treat her well. It doesn’t say if you think your mother isn’t what you wish, it’s okay to forget about her. “ Rev explained the commandment does not come with conditions. It is not up to us to judge whether or not our mother is deserving of honor and respect. God will do the judging. Children are commanded to honor. Mothers should be treated with dignity, regardless of age.
Obeying this command promises that “it may be well with you.”
Like many of you, I was blessed with a wonderful and loving mother. She did not have an easy life. She was the oldest of six children. Her father, a veteran, died when she was twelve years old.
Mother did not have the privilege of attending high school. She needed to care for her siblings while her mother went to work to provide for the family.
My mother became a widow in her early 50’s. Mother was not a complainer. She was a strong woman who loved her children.
I always tried to do what my mother asked of me. However, I will always hurt inside because there was one thing my mother asked of me that I didn’t do.
Mother was terrified when I received death threats, disturbing videos were made about me, and booklets were distributed in the community, by a group often referred to as a cult.
Mother cried and begged me to step down as mayor. I prayed. Many local and out of state pastors prayed. I even received a call from a pastor from California who prayed with me on the phone.
I tried to explain to my mother that I felt God’s hand on me, and that I was doing the job I was meant to do. However, my mother, who was aging, was fearful and very dismayed. To this day, I am so sad that I caused her so much pain. She passed away while I was in office. She is in Heaven now, and I know God has comforted her and let her know I am okay.
If you are fortunate enough to still have your mom, let her know you love her. Visit if you can. If you can’t, call her or write to her. Someday, you will be so glad you did!
“All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” – Abraham Lincoln
“Life doesn’t come with a manual; it comes with a mother.” – Unknown
Happy Mothers Day!!