Anna Jarvis, the woman who is credited with founding Mother's Day, was an active member of the Methodist Church in Grafton, WV, which became known as "the Mother's Day Church." Inspired by her own mother, Anna Jarvis organized "Mothers' Work Day Clubs" in the 1850s, providing support and services to the underprivileged in the area, such as medical assistance, milk inspections for children, nursing care for the sick, and shelters for children with tuberculosis. During the Civil War, she brought together these clubs to pledge friendship and goodwill, and the women courageously nursed soldiers from both sides, saving many lives. After the war, Anna Reeves Jarvis became a peacemaker and organized "Mothers' Friendship Days" to unite families across the Mason-Dixon line. She was considered a hero of her time, and her home in Grafton, WV, is now a national landmark.
Many examples exist of mothers who demonstrated great faith and sacrifice for their children. For instance, the mother of Moses faced seemingly insurmountable challenges but took a leap of faith to protect her child. The Shunemite mother showed unwavering determination and sought the help of a prophet. Hagar's eyes were opened to a well by God when she was in need. The Canaanite woman demonstrated persistence in her pursuit of help for her daughter. And, of course, the mother of Jesus stood by him until the end, even witnessing his crucifixion and burial. Susanna Wesley, a mother of 19 children, found time each day to connect with God, exemplifying the importance of spiritual devotion for mothers. On this Mother's Day, it is crucial to honor the women who share their wisdom, show kindness, and prioritize honoring the Lord.
Hospitality is a characteristic of a good mother, as it involves being welcoming to strangers and even to enemies.
Radical Hospitality is sharing in scarcity
Hospitality, highlighted in both the Old and New Testaments, is illustrated through the stories of hospitable women. Proverbs likens a hospitable woman to Wisdom, emphasizing the importance of extending kindness and generosity to others. The Bible also mentions the hospitality of the widow at Zarephath, a woman who faced scarcity and yet demonstrated faith by offering hospitality to the prophet Elijah. Her sacrificial act led to a miraculous provision of never-ending flour and oil, showing that radical hospitality can make room for God's miracles in our lives.
Radical hospitality requires sacrifice and faith. It involves letting go of fear and embracing faith, seeking God's guidance even in times of scarcity. When we offer hospitality, we imitate God's graciousness and open ourselves up to receiving His blessings. The power of hospitality is evident in the miracles that followed the widow's acts of generosity. Not only did her home never run out of food during the drought, but when her son fell ill and died, her faith and trust in God led to his restoration.
Radical Hospitality goes beyond friends and family to strangers and outsiders.
In addition to the widow at Zarephath, the Bible shares the story of Abraham's radical hospitality toward strangers who turned out to be angels. Scripture encourages us to show hospitality to strangers, as some have entertained angels unknowingly.
Offering hospitality can lead to divine appointments and ministering to Jesus Himself, as He equates acts of kindness toward others with acts toward Him.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’” (Matthew 25:35-36) And then the righteous will all ask him, “When, Lord? When did we do all these things?” And Jesus will reply: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
The mother at Zarephath teaches us important lessons about faith, provision, and the transformative power of hospitality. Despite facing difficult circumstances, the widow's sacrificial hospitality resulted in God's abundant provision and the miracle of her son's resurrection. Embracing radical hospitality involves going beyond our limitations and comfort zones, recognizing the blessings that come from giving, living with open hands and generously sharing our resources.
Once there was a boy who used to sell things from house to house. He was very good at his studies and this way he was paying for his studies and helping his family. One day while walking from house to house, he was so tired. He did not sell a lot that day. He was so hungry and knocked at the door of a house to ask for food. But when the door was opened, there was a beautiful young lady with a smiling face. When she saw the young lady, he was shy to ask for food, instead, he asked for a glass of water. The lady realized how bad he looked and knew that he was hungry and gave him a glass of milk. After he drank the milk, he wanted to pay for the milk and asked how much he owed her. She said her mother taught her not to take money for helping others with food. He said thanks and left.
Years later, this lady was sick with a rare disease and was admitted to the local hospital. The doctors were not able to diagnose her disease and recommended that she be taken to the specialty hospital where there is a great doctor who specializes in rare diseases. His name was Dr. Howard Kelly. As soon as he saw this woman, he recognized the lady and decided to do everything to save her life. He told her who he was and how she helped him one day with a glass of milk. After several days of hard work, Dr. Kelly was able to determine the disease. The treatment was very expensive and the lady was very worried as to how to pay the bill. Dr. Kelly asked the hospital to show him the bill before it was given to the lady. They gave him the bill and he wrote something on the bill and attached a check with it. When the bill came to the hands of the lady, she was shocked with unbelief. At the bottom of the check, there is a note that said “This bill is paid in full with one glass of milk”. When they looked at the check, it was for the full amount of the bill of $17,200.
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