Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church Women's Ministry Presents, "A Tribute to Mother"
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Dear Mothers of the Church: So long ago, you braved the elements walking if necessary to the place designated as the house of worship. It wasn’t much to those who had never entered and taken refuge from a week of strife, hard work and uncertainty. For those who had never laid their cares on the old rickety altar, never released children, grandchildren, husbands into the hands of God, right in this building that no one else wanted; you knew, didn’t you, that it didn’t matter what it looked like, just what it felt like. You woke us and pulled us from warm beds, bathed and dressed us in our best and brought us to this place, this house of worship and we thank you. For this is the place where we watched you and the others conducting business and writing checks to keep the lights on. In this very place, we learned about David, Daniel and that even if we were small we could slay giants! This was the place, small, old and rundown, where we prayed, dropped our pennies in the collection plate, sold chicken dinners and saw first hand how God made our little into a lot. We drank from the sweat of your brow as you labored right here because this is all we had, all we were allowed to have. “Amazing grace how sweet the sound…” that was your mantra and it was indeed sweet, each word ringing in my ears, so young and so naive. I’m sorry for all the times I thought I knew it all, that because you had become old and I had become grown, I had the right not to listen and not remember what true love and sacrifice really looked like. Now as I sit on royal hued velvet cushions and walk on carpeted floors, I am thankful for those Sundays, Mondays and the rest of the week, that you prayed and made me pray. I am thankful for the times you went without so that I could have what I needed. Thank you Mothers, hmm…such a small word for the big price you paid. This moment is for you and yes, I know it’s not enough but I also know you didn’t ask for it either for your humility magnifies your wisdom that I can only hope to one day inherit. By Cynthia L. Carlisle Fields
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About the Book
Motherhood, how many ways have we tried to explain such a complex and intriguing phenomenon. What would make one do the unspeakable, the unimaginable all in the name of Motherhood? What makes a mother? We know it’s not all genetic for there are countless examples of those who have stepped into the role of Mother without ever bearing a child. Mother, such a heavy title yet taken and worn by so many without even breaking a sweat, as if it weighed less than a feather. Songs have been written; poems recited all in honor of this person, who often operates quietly behind the scenes, raising, nurturing and molding the minds and lives of future generations. It seems that no matter how many days have been set aside or programs planned in honor of Mothers, it’s never enough. So, once again this is another attempt to tell Mothers just how much they are loved, needed and appreciated. We the members of the Women's Ministry of Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church have taken this moment in time to pause and pay tribute to our Mothers.
About the Author
Cynthia Carlisle Fields has been a writer for over 30 years. Her first book, "In My Mother's Shoes," was published in March of 2007 and is a tribute to her mother in the form of poetry, psalms and prayers. Cynthia has a degree in Journalism from San Diego State University and is the publisher of several newsletters, blogs and has also edited several books for other authors. Cynthia feels that it is important to honor those who have made an impact on our lives in a tangible and timeless way that will leave a legacy. Cynthia is a resident of San Diego, California, where she works as a full-time writer.