Today is Mothers-In-Israel Day (by my own decree, if you really wanted to know), and I want to pause, as I do yearly, to honor those of you out there who are "Mothers in Israel."How do you know if that's you? And what is the day all about? Let me explain.
Through the years, Mother's Day has been a bit difficult for me, precisely because it's not been for me. I never gave birth to kids of my own, nor did I adopt kids or become a foster mother. Yet working education I've been a mother to hundreds of kids of all ages...and sometimes to colleagues who needed it.
Whenever Mother's Day came around during my single years, I sat uncomfortably while the mothers in the church stood in response to the pastor's invitation to be honored. Technically, I'm not a mother; people would think it odd if I stood. I always felt lonely at those times, and even for a while into my married life. Stepkids can't be expected to acquire you as a stepmom and suddenly--whoosh--you're getting treated like a second mom. These things take a long time; it would take a long time for me, too, if I were the stepkid.
About a dozen years ago when I was the organist for the Baptist church Napa, California, the elderly pastor asked the mothers to stand and be recognized. But he didn't stop there. He went on to ask all of us who were "Mothers in Israel" to join the rest of the mothers and be recognized. He explained that these were women who gave to the next generation, even though they had not had their own children. I stood then, and a child brought me a flower. I've thought many times since then how much being included that Mother's Day recognition meant to me.
So, to you who have not had children of your own yet give of yourselves to mentor and "mother" in the lives of young people, "Happy Mothers- in-Israel Day!" Thank you so much for all you do.*In honor of the "Mothers in Israel" who have inspired and/or encouraged me in my own life: Izella, Joy, Olga, Bonnie, Erja, Joanne, Joann, Barbara, Evaline, Mary, Tonya, Marit, Cassie and Lyn.
Mothering is certainly about much more than biology. I am sure you have been a mother to many whose own mothers were struggling. Happy Mother's Day Ginger. :c)
ReplyDeleteGreat concept. Happy MII Day to you.
ReplyDeleteGinger, this is exactly why I rebel against any big celebration of mothers in church on this day. I don't mind giving a nod to mothers, to the honoring of mothers in the bible, to the incredible moms some of us have had - but when we ask moms to stand up, give prizes to the one with the most kids, etc, my heart breaks for the "Mothers in Israel", or the ones who have aborted babies and mourn the loss. Thanks for the new term - and happy mother's in Israel day to you, who undoubtedly is much deserving!
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