There are many stories to be told of the love and strength of mothers throughout history.
The women of The Mayflower certainly had love for their children or future children in mind when they each made the decision to brave the journey to a new world.
The risks were great, but their hopes for their children and families were greater. They saw the possibilities for freedom and the opportunity to love and serve God according to their consciences and they could not pass up the chance for those blessings.
An alarming number of women would perish that first winter in Plymouth. All but four survived.
The other survivors of that first dreadful season included 25 children. These children of the colony would be cared for and raised by the remaining four women, none of whom were spared the grief of loss despite having been spared their lives.
These mothers were a blessing to their now 35 million descendants.
It’s no wonder Plymouth, Massachusetts is home to the monument “The Pilgrim Mother” on which is inscribed the following:
They brought up their families in sturdy virtue and a living faith in God without which nations perish!
Today, my love and admiration goes to all the mothers who have likewise striven to bring up their families in virtue and faith. This is our own “new world” full of uncertainty and risks and your efforts are noble and appreciated.
Happy Mother’s Day!