When the opportunity presented itself to write a monthly article on working mothers, I was really interested. My inner spirit seemed to leap at the chance, but when I sat down to actually do a sample writing for Pastor Chris, I thought, “Where shall I start?” My mind was a total blank and I prayed, “Dear Lord, how do I begin?”

What is the definition of a working mother? I entered Working Mother in Goggle and the Internet gave me many sites, but my fondest and most precious memory is my own Mother. Memories of her being hard at work when I got up, she could be always found in the kitchen cooking or at her bakers counter rolling dough to make Buttermilk biscuits or Parker House rolls.

My mother and father owned their own business, “Johnson Catering Service”. They catered Dinner Parties, Weddings, and Banquets. Not only was my mother a working mother, she was a Christian woman. She taught me how to pray, the importance of prayer, and how to live a Godly life. It seemed like I was in church all the time. There was Wednesday night bible study, Sunday school, church, Sunday night service, choir rehearsal, youth service, usher board meetings, and ushering on Youth Sunday and Youth for Christ.

There were many functions at church for one ministry or another, and she made sure I was involved in most of them. At the time I wondered why I had to do all these things. To be perfectly honest, I resented it as well. Since I was young and immature, little did I know that she was actually preparing me for life.

Just recently I was talking to my daughter, who is a senior at SIU Carbondale, and she mentioned her involvement with her church on campus and with community service. The discussion started with me talking about working with the Connections Team and Guest Services. As I was explaining to her what we do, and sharing how much I enjoyed it, she said, “Mom, I don’t ever remember you going to church and doing nothing. That’s where I get my desire to be involved at church”. Isn’t it amazing to know that your children are watching what you do, and end up emulating you?

At that very instant I knew why my mother taught me the way she did.  I only wish I could tell her how much I appreciate her for all the life lessons and work ethic she taught me and how I have passed it down to my daughter. But most of all, I want to thank her for the love of Christ that she imparted to me. My mother passed away in November of 1980, but I see her living on in myself and my daughter.

Posted under Working Moms