Compassion: Spring's Hottest Accesory

I have many titles: daughter, wife, school administrator, sister, aunt, volunteer, etc. However, the one title that I love the most is Mom. Sure, life as a full time working mother of three is tough, and when I hear, "Mom," yelled or whined from across the house sometimes I sigh and think I wish I could change my name. Yet, most of the time when my kids call me Mom, I think it is such an honor and there is no better name to be called.

Mom is not a title I take lightly. I realize that it is my job to love and care for my children 24/7. I know that my job is not just to make sure they are happy, healthy, clean and fed but to provide them with the spiritual and moral guidance to help them as they prepare to one day leave our home as adults contributing to society and maybe one day raising a family of their own.

So, with Mother's Day and the important role mothers play on my mind it is with a heavy heart that I read about the situations in Syria, Sudan, Nigeria and other parts of the world. These places and lifestyles seem so far away and so odd to me because they are quite different than my experiences. Yet, when I see a mother crying because her daughter has been kidnapped by terrorists because she wanted an education, I can't help but relate. I, too, want my daughter to get a good education, so she can pursue a future full of dreams. When I see a mother holding a baby on her hip and the hand of a younger child as they walk hours to refugee camps in search of food and safety I can't help but remember how the cries of my children as newborns motivated me to quickly feed and comfort them. Then I think some more and realize that their cries pierced my heart, but I was able to provide for them without a second thought. How agonizing it must be for these mothers to hear the cries of their children and not be able to feed them. How difficult to be faced with such fear but have to remain strong for your children. I think of the times I have been sick,with the flu and have forced myself out of bed to make lunches and make sure my children have normalcy even when I am sick. How sad it must be for a mother with AIDS. Her young ones must provide for themselves while she withers away not knowing what the future holds for her children.

My mind can't help but think of all this when my husband asks what I want to do for Mother's Day. Don't get me wrong. I work hard and can't wait to have a day all about me. I love the pampering and attention, since I feel I'm always giving to my family. Yet, all I need is their love and some home made cards telling me how they feel. When compared to these other moms, I have everything I could want and need and more. 

With all of this in mind, I am asking my family to change things up this Mother's Day. Instead of getting me a present, taking me out to a nice meal, and spending tons of money on cards, I am asking them to make a donation to an organization that helps moms that really could use a Mother's Day gift. There are many local and international charities doing great work and making a big difference. Won't you join me this Mother's Day? What better way to teach your children to wear compassion than having them give on your behalf.

Below are a list of some organizations that I like, but you should pick one that speaks the most to you and your family.

Sheridan House Minstries - Helps South Florida Single Moms

sheridanhouse.org

Direct Relief - Humanitarian Medical Aid

directrelief.org

Water.org - Helping people gain access to safe drinking water and sanitation

water.org

Promise for Haiti - Empowers local Haitain leaders in order to improve the quality of life 

promiseforhaiti.org

Blood Water Mission - Partnering with Africa to end the HIV/AIDS and water crises

bloodwater.org

Blood Water Mission currently has a Mother's Day program where you can get a card for Mom in her honor and provide help to a mom-to-be. Deadline is May 1st.

Reach Out World Wide - First Responders to Natural Disasters Nationally and internationally

roww.org

UNICEF - Children's Rights and Emergency Relief Organization

unicef.org

There are plenty more. List one of your favorites in the comment section and let's start a revolution of compassion this Mother's Day!