Word to Your Mother!
By Ben Kelly, High School Junior
Presented as a Part of Youth Sunday
May 11, 2025
I want to start this homily off with a few words of congratulations to all the graduates.
Blake – From bonding over paper airplanes in the back of Ms. Somerville’s Latin class to shooting together, I have greatly appreciated your friendship. I know you’ll do great things in your future. Hail Southern and GATA. (To everyone in the congregation, if you don’t know what that means, ask Mark Wood after the service and I’m sure he’ll be happy to tell you.)
Layla – It was great growing up in this church with you and growing in our faith together through summer camps, and I am so happy that you have come back to Vineville to worship with us. Congratulations.
Kate – I have enjoyed growing up with you here at Vineville and at Stratford. You are truly one of the kindest people I know and I know that you’ll spread your positivity in Athens. Congratulations, and this hurts, but Go Dogs.
Abby – We have grown up together in this church, and I know it’s gonna be hard to make it through without you. Thank you for always being there for me through thick and thin, no matter what. Go Nighthawks.
Charlie – There’s no better way for me to describe my relationship with you than brothers. From our hour-long conversations in the parking lot on Wednesday nights to the phone calls whenever one of us doesn’t come to church, I have always appreciated the way you care for me. Go Owls, and Hooty Hoo.
I will be reading today from the 31st chapter of Proverbs, verses 27-29:
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
The word of God, for the people of God.
Today is your day, mothers.
You spend all of the other 364 days working as hard as you can to provide for your kids and your family, but you only get one day dedicated to you.
But why?
Why aren’t all the other days more suited for buying your mom flowers or finding something she likes in her favorite color?
Why are mothers remembered on all the other days with less reverence, even being insulted with the numerous variations of the Yo Mama joke?
I propose that we don’t focus all our affection on one day of the year, but carry that same energy every day. Mothers, you truly have the hardest job in the world. I was reminded of this last night by my aunt showing me a meme describing how hard it was to manage being a successful mother, a successful employee, and a successful wife, all while maintaining health and as much sanity as possible. Motherhood is described in the Bible as a gift from God, with Psalm 127:3 saying that offspring is a reward from the Lord. But I know that sometimes this gift can feel like a white elephant.
Dr. Benjamin Spock says in the bestselling book of the twentieth century, The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care, that parents should trust their instincts in rearing their children. But how can you trust your instincts when you’re getting advice from all angles. TV says one thing, the news says another, even world-renowned good influence and poet Willie Nelson tells you not to let your babies grow up to pick guitars and drive old trucks. I think we can all admire our mother’s strength and resilience to tune out all the noise from around the world and do everything they can to provide for their children.
I know I’ve been going for a while and y’all are about ready to make a break for S&S, I can see Dr. Tucker over here inching towards the door, but just give me a few more minutes and I’ll land this plane.
The scripture that I read from emphasizes not only their children, but also their husbands giving thanks to their wives. So husbands I know sometimes quality time gets thrown out by a busy schedule, but go take your wives out to a nice dinner some time. Take care of the house and let her have some time off. Let her know how much you love her and appreciate her with you words and actions, especially on mother’s day.
Children, all I ask is that you say thank you to a mother today and let them know you appreciate all their hard work. They deserve it more than almost anyone. They love you more than you can ever fathom, and doing something as simple as a hug will make them feel that love in return.
Mothers are truly a gift. Without them, we literally would not be here today. So tell a mother that you love them, today.
Amen?
Please pray with me.
Lord, thank you so much for the gift of mothers. We know that you instill a sense of care into them and give them your love. We would be truly lost without their guidance that comes from you. In your name, Amen.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father,
On this special day, we gather in gratitude to honor the women who have nurtured us with love, strength, and unwavering faith. We thank You for the gift of mothers—biological, adoptive, spiritual, and all who have filled that sacred role in our lives.
Lord, bless the mothers among us today. Comfort those who miss their mothers, strengthen those who face the challenges of motherhood, and hold close those who long to be mothers. Fill this service with Your presence, that we may celebrate not only our mothers, but also Your boundless love, reflected through them.
Guide our hearts in worship, unite us in joy and thanksgiving, and let this time glorify You.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.