Hello, Everyone!


May all of you have a most blessed Mother's Day!


Motherhood is such an integral part of life as we know it.  Our mothers nourished us with their bodies and values during the earliest stages of our development.  Traditionally, infants bond with their mothers first because they are their most consistent caregivers.  Stable, responsible mothers provide caring, safe environments for their children to thrive in.  Our initial maternal relationship provided a springboard in which we began to interact with the outside world. 

Remember all those "dos and don't" your mother told you?  At the time you probably didn't think much about them but your mother was preparing you to successfully interact with people in her absence.  Just as animals teach their young survival skills, your mother was doing the exact same thing.  It's only natural for mothers to be vigilant about the security of their children in an uncertain and dangerous world. 

Mothers are instrumental in conveying language and cultural values to their children.  Our mothers controlled which aspects of society that we were exposed to.  Our food, clothing, schools, friends and amusement choices had to have mother's stamp of approval.  In my day, it was your mother's responsibility to teach you acceptable behaviors and values in order for you to succeed in the world -- not be your best friend!  Mothers respected themselves and other authority figures in society.  You were taught to do the same!

Our mother's participation in religious activities also influenced the development of our spiritual values.  When a loved one became sick and/or died, we would ask our mothers, "Why?".  When things weren't going well at home, it was always up to our mothers to be "pillars of strength" in the face of uncertainty.  How she carried herself was an outward manifestation of her spiritual understanding and maturity.  All eyes were always on MAMA!

Despite being larger than life, our mothers are human, too.  They make mistakes like the rest of us and deserve to be forgiven.  Children don't come with instruction manuals and life can throw all of us curves from time to time.  As long as a mother is caring enough to stay involved in her child's life for better or worst, what more can you ask for?

Irene Baylis McDuffey, I love you!  Although you're no longer among the living, you're still very much alive to me.  When I look in the mirror and see my best, I see you.  When people see my best, they see you!  Thank you for giving me your best!  Please keep looking out for me and petitioning God on my behalf.  Happy Mother's Day!

May Peace Be With All Of You,



Sistah Selah