Why The Founder of Mother’s Day Turned Against It

It was on this day in history 110 years ago, May 9, 1914, that President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation officially establishing the first National Mother’s Day.

In his proclamation President Wilson said the holiday offered an opportunity to “[publicly express] our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”

The idea for honoring mothers has been credited both to Julia Ward Howe (1872) as well as Anna Jarvis (1907), who had no children, but conceived of the idea of honoring her own mother. She pushed for the idea of making it a national holiday. Jarvis saw it as an intimate occasion celebrated within families to recognize the sacrifices and hard work of our mothers.

However, Jarvis soon became disillusioned as the day become more commercialized with merchants who capitalized on the day to sell cards, flowers, candy and other gifts. She soon began to openly criticize and campaign against retailers who profited from Mother’s Day.

In addition, various groups, as well as First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt used the day to fund raise for charitable organizations. In fact, Jarvis was once arrested in Philadelphia for disturbing the peace as she protested against the American War Mothers for their efforts to raise money using Mother’s Day.

According to history.com “By the 1940s, Jarvis had disowned the holiday altogether, and even actively lobbied the government to see it removed from the calendar.”

According to the National Retail Federation Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $33.5 billion this year.

While ThePreachersWord is not opposed to buying and giving cards and gifts on Mother’s Day, it would be nice to stop and consider the purpose of the holiday. To do more than merely buy a gift. But to personally, thoughtfully and fondly express love and appreciation for your mother.

One of the Ten Commandments under the Old Law was “Honor your father and mother” (Ex. 20:12). Sadly it was one of the commands that the Jewish religious leaders in Jesus’ day had violated by their hypocrisy and traditions that circumvented God’s law.

The command is repeated by Paul in Ephesians 6:1-3. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

The word honor means “to fix a value upon. To revere. To venerate. To esteem.” The word speaks to the concept of worth or excellence.

In an ancient world that devalued and disrespected women, the Bible exalts, lifts, and honors women and the role of the wife and mother in the home.

The two most influential women in my life have been my mother, Mattie Weliever, and my wife, Norma Jean, the mother of our children. My life is better, stronger, and richer because of their profound influence in my ministry.

My mother, Mattie Weliever, passed from this life December 29, 2009. But her memory burns bright in my heart. She was a role model of godliness, virtue, and devotion. In childhood, she instructed me. In life, she encouraged me. In death, she continues to motivate me to be a better man.

My wife, Norma Jean, has been my loving and faithful partner for over 55 years. She has supported my ministry without reservation. Moved from house to house, city to city, and state to state without complaint. Worked outside the home when needed. Forgave me of my mistakes. Put up with my irritating habits. Offered wise counsel. And served the needs of our family, as well as those in God’s family.

Worthy women deserved to be honored. Not just on a holiday once a year. But each day. Every day. While cards and gifts are definitely appropriate, I think most would appreciate more our heart felt expressions of love and honor through our words, attitudes and actions. As James Russell Lowell once wrote, “{It’s} Not what we give, but what we share. For the gift without the giver is bare.”

Our families, communities, churches and nation are indebted to good and godly mothers. I’m sure many of us could echo the sentiment of John Quincy Adams who said, “All that I am, my mother made me.”

Happy Mother’s Day, Ladies.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman