05/10/2026
Mother’s Day Tribute
Our relationships with our mothers begin in the womb, our connection so important, so monumental that it begins the circle of life. Our mother is our first love, most ardent supporter, the strictest disciplinarian, our backbone in times of trouble, our safe haven when the world is against us.
Some of my fondest memories at Bethel occurred on Mother’s Day. When I was a child, the men of the church would serve breakfast on Mother’s Day before Sunday school started until it ended. This way they could serve the early birds and the late arrivals. I remember the Mother/Daughter luncheons that took place the Saturday before Mother’s Day.
I also remember the children lining up for their chance to tell the congregation what their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and women who played important roles in their lives and what they meant to them.
Mothers at Bethel taught us how to usher, how to conquer public speaking, how to officiate Sunday Morning Service, how to read, how to respect our classmates, how to sing, how to serve, how to pray, how to worship.
A lot of people who used to attend Bethel, whether they moved out of state or joined another church would often surprise their mothers by showing up at church on Mother’s Day. I know my mother was filled with joy when some of my siblings would show up to sit by her in church on Mother’s Day. It was a great day for reminiscing.
One thing that stood out for me at Bethel on Mother's Day was the white and red flowers. It was a significant tradition. I can never recall a Mother's Day when white and red flowers were not worn by members. The white flowers represented the mothers who were deceased and the red flowers represented the mothers who were still living. I was so thankful to able to wear the red flower, thankful that my mother was there by my side to celebrate another Mother's Day.
The tide has changed, now I wear the white flower. I wear the white flower not to dwell on what I have lost, but in remembrance and great appreciation of my mother's life. Bethel family and friends let's be thankful for the mothers that are still with us and for the memories that sustain us.
Thankful
She bathed me when I couldn't bathe myself
She's been my legs when I couldn't walk
She's been my eyes when I couldn't see
She fed me when I couldn't feed myself
She's seen me through every bump, bruise, accident, hospital stay, and surgery
She's attended every graduation, play, or production no matter how small my part
She styled my hair every morning just the way I wanted
She indulged me, allowing me to change my name everyday
She's been my strong tower, inspiration, and truly a loving mother
The tide has changed
Now...
I bathe her
I'm her legs
I'm her eyes
I feed her when she can't feed herself
I see her through every, bump, bruise, hospital stay, and surgery
I listen to her talk, even though she has told me every story a million times
I style her hair just the way she wants every morning
I indulge her and let her call me by whatever name she wants
I'm blessed to be her strength
I hope I make her proud
I'm so thankful for my mother
I pray that I've been a worthy child
Thus is the circle of life
Stephanie Smith-Barnes
