Wednesday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon

Here is the problem:

I know how important it is to think recognize our mothers. I have no doubt about that. I and many others have had great mothers. She gave us some of the most important foundational values we will ever receive from anyone. She will have had such an incredible influence on our lives and it is impossible to estimate the extent of that influence.

If you read the biographical information about Osama bin Laden you see a relationship with his father. You see a mother, Hamida, who was one of the wives of his father Mohammed. You notice that Hamida is a modern, thinking, and an independent woman. She refused to carry out the traditions of her husband's faith. She refused to cover her face with a burka. She was rejected by the other women in the village. They called her "slave" because she didn't appreciate the status she had with her wealthy husband, and Osama was called "son of slave". Osama was raised by a series of nurses and nannies.

When Osama's father died in a helicopter crash he was moved to be with his mother and they had no relationship at all. He grew up with a very low sense of esteem, and with a low opinion of women.

What if things had been different? How might history have been rewritten? How would the world have changed?

Here is the problem: Not everyone with a bad relationship with his or her mother turns into a terrorist, a serial killer, or a Columbine murdered but that relationship with our mother is important.

We are best served when we have a positive relationship with our mother but, if that is lacking, we can overcome it. Many people do.

The sermon title: "I Remember Momma".

Was your relationship with your mother a good one?
If not, how did you overcome it?

If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster