Today we observe Mothers’ Day and celebrate mom’s contribution to our lives as babies, infants, teenagers, young adults and mature adults. The reasons are many for celebrating our mothers. However, I wish to turn my attention to those of us that receive absolutely no availability, involvement, teaching, training, discipline, nurturing, or modelling with integrity from our biological mothers, “Why honour di ole wicked?”

As a Christian, God is my boss and I take directions and instructions from Him. So difficult questions I put to Him. He answers through His Holy Spirit, His word (Bible), dreams etc. I will share later on in this article, what the “Good Book” says about this difficult question — why honour di ole wicked? 

It is your dutyHonouring your father and mother is being respectful in word and action, and having an inward attitude for their position, irrespective of their complete inaction in your life after the process of reproduction. Leave their punishment to God, for breaching their duty to Him and you. The Greek word for honour means “to revere, prize, and value”. Honour is giving respect not only for merit but also for rank. For example, some Jamaicans may disagree with the Prime Minister’s decisions, but they should still respect his or her position as leader of the country. Similarly, children of all ages should honour their parents, regardless of whether or not their parents “deserve” honour. 

What the Good Book saysGod commands us to honour father and mother. He values honouring parents enough to include it in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12) — Honour your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth (Ephesians 6:1-3). So the Good Book promises long life to children who honour their parents. It is our duty, no excuse! 

Di ole wickedOverlooking being neglected by your biological mother all your life, from a human standpoint, is impossible. But God’s spirit at work in our lives, offers the power to forgive any wrong. Jesus taught us to pray like this: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). We forgive because we have been forgiven, knowing that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). For the atheist, for the fact that she didn’t take your life after giving birth to you, respect her for the act of procreation, your existence, which no money can purchase! Priceless indeed. 

Jacqueline Taylor-O’Gilvie is a mother of four, the PNP Caretaker of North Central St Andrew and is reading for a degree in theology.