In Honor of Mother’s Day

In Honor of Mother’s Day

Iota celebrates Mothers around the globe for their spirit and their gifts to the world.  Mother’s Day is used to honor all women who have the honor of being called Mother.  Mothers come in all colors, shapes and sizes with many different characteristics.  But, no matter what, we love them for their generosity, their care and their unconditional love.

I read somewhere that a woman is not a mother until a child is born, that she did not exist before her child was born.  But I don’t know if I agree with that.  I believe that there are mothers in this world who never birthed a child.  A mother can be an Auntie, a Stepmom, a Granny or any woman that steps in and takes on that role.  To me a mother is anyone who is a protector, a guide and a friend. She is someone that will do anything for her children; she is patient, tolerant, selfless, going without so her children can have whatever is necessary to make them successful adults. She works hard to make sure that her children are equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to make it in this world. Being a mother can be hard and sometimes full of heartaches, but it can also be one of the most rewarding job a woman will ever experience.

In Langston Hughes poem, “The Negro Mother”, we feel her pain as she dreams of a better life for her children.  “Oh, my dark children, may my dreams and my prayers, impel you forever up the great stairs For I will be with you till no white brother, Dares keep down the children of the Negro Mother.  So, on Sunday, we say thank you to all the Mothers who spent their lives nurturing and raising us.  Happy Mother’s Day!

Dorothy M. White
23^rd National President
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.