Empowering Mothers to Be World Changers

by Sharon C. Jenkins

Over the years, the nurturers of the earth have been called mother, mom, mommy, mama, mum, mumsy and even momzilla on good days. We live in a chaotic world that is constantly changing the definition of what that word means, but its purpose could and should never change. The verb mother is defined as bringing up a child with care and affection or to actually give birth to a child. Children need nurturing, care, affection, and love. They are precious gifts that often come at unexpected times surrounded by unexplainable circumstances, but they are breathing, human beings that require tender loving care from conception through college. The innocence of a child is a constant reminder of the goodness that exists in humanity. It’s so precious that it should be allowed to exist as long as possible. In Uvalde, Texas, the lives of nineteen elementary children were stolen and the innocence of hundreds of others shattered. Their mother’s wombs are left empty from the memory of their existence and their hearts totally shattered because they will never realize the dreams held for them. Yes, their fathers are also grieving and my heart grieves with them, but this editorial is a call to action for mothers. A mother who was attempting to go into the school building was held back by police and placed in handcuffs. Once she was free, she jumped a fence and went into the school and collected her children. They are alive today as a result of her determination. The darkness in the world is bent on the purposeful annihilation of the innocence of children for greed, money, and power. Stealing that innocence is profitable for human and sex traffickers. Politicians use it as chess pieces in their political campaigns for votes. Individuals use children as pawns in dysfunctional relationships because they forget how precious that innocence is and what it means to a humanity where cruelty reigns and selfishness is the norm.

But all is not lost! Historically, women have risen up during chaos, motivated by their unconditional love for children. From the days of Moses to the Uvalde massacre, women have said that enough is enough and used the love they possess for them as a call to action. If there was ever a time to reclaim the right for children all over the world to be restored, now is the time. There’s nothing more formidable than a mother on the rampage for the safety and security of her child. You may say, what can I do? The giants (greed, money, and power) in the land are bigger than I am? Well, it starts within the four walls of your home. Master loving and protecting your child, and then share it with the next young mother on your block through mentorship. That’s how a neighborhood becomes empowered. That’s how a movement is started and that’s how a world is changed, one home at a time.

Mothers Who Have Had Influence

Meghan Markle was seen leaving flowers at the site of the Uvalde massacre. There was no fanfare, just a simple gesture of love and support for those who lost their lives and their loved ones. Women who are influencers in our culture have the power to make a statement about the importance of children being allowed to be children as long as they can, and they are. I encourage you to pick up this cause and use your influence to combat the ills of our society. There have been numerous others that have come before you.

Other influential mothers are:

● Ann Jarvis was a social activist and pioneer in the public health movement during the 1800’s. ● Frances Ellen Watkins Harper fought for the rights of women and African Americans in the 1800’s.

● Sojourner Truth was an abolitionist and women’s rights activist in the 1800’s. ● Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel prize. She was a physicist in the 1900’s. ● Irena Sendler smuggled over 2,500 Jewish children out of Warsaw during World War II. ● Audrey Hepburn was an actress and philanthropist who was an Ambassador for UNICEF.

● Princess Diana was an activist for children’s health during her brief life and her sons continue that philanthropic legacy today. ● Michelle Obama fought against childhood obesity while being FLOTUS and became a staunch advocate for military families. ● Angelina Jolie, an actress, is committed to refugee humanitarian work and acts as a Goodwill Ambassador to over 30 countries.

Empowering Mothers to Be World Changers Cont.

Being social activists is in the bloodline of today’s mothers. When we work to make the world a better place as mothers, our intrinsic motivation is often our own children. Leaving the world a better place for them should be our aim.

Michelle Obama was famous for calling herself, “momin-chief,” while President Obama was in office. She was known to say, “My daughters are still the heart and the center of my world.” Words well-spoken by a mother called to action! Mother, will you accept the call? The lives of our children depend upon it.