Things my mother taught me
MOTHERS know best, at least that’s what you grow up hearing, until it proves true in life situations.You may remember the many times she told you to be respectful even if you felt you were being treated unfairly, to respect people’s time, or even when she strictly enforced the need for good deportment.What’s the big fuss? Truth is, all those lessons are preparing you with values needed for your adult life, which you will eventually pass on to other generations.Below
All Woman asks influential women to share the life lessons their mother taught them, that they, in turn, are now passing down to their children.
Diahann Gordon-Harrison, Children’s Advocate:There are two primary things I was taught growing up. The first is the value of hard work and giving your best effort to everything and every opportunity. That was taught without hesitation. I’ve passed that on and I’m hoping it’s impacting my children. The second one is mindfulness, meaning treat people with respect regardless of who they are. Also to realise it’s not what you say but what you do and it’s really about having a clean heart. I also teach them equity for others, the importance of having your integrity unquestioned, and not to take themselves too seriously — the importance of humour. J
uliet Holness, Member of Parliament for East Rural St Andrew:You can achieve whatever you put your mind to. All you need to do is apply yourself and keep at it. Never forget where you’re coming from. Always remain humble and be respectful of others.
Tshani Jaja, marketing manager, communications of Yello Media Group:The power of positive thinking and faith and that prayer can move mountains.
Bishop Christine Haber of Christine Haber Ministries:My mom always told me: You are somebody great. So even before my kids could even talk, I spoke the same words to them, you are somebody great. The word of God and how to pray was always taught in my home. That is now happening in my home. She told my sisters and I, don’t always depend on your beauty to take you through this world, our manners and education mattered. One great and important thing I have certainly passed on to my kids from my mother is the same measure you give to someone, the same measure you’ll receive, so be careful how you treat people. One last lesson I have given to my kids from what my mom has taught me is how important it is to have their surroundings clean, as it will always attract others to do the same.
Dr Sara Lawrence, former Miss Jamaica World, TV host, obstetrician gynaecologist:One of the first things I remember as a child was getting a plaque that had my name and its meaning on it, but under that was Proverbs 1:7 that states the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, fools scorn wisdom and discipline. This scripture outlines one of the most important lessons my mother has ever taught to me in life and what I impress upon my son. As a child I didn’t understand why God would want us to fear Him but through life my mother epitomised and taught us that true fear of the Lord is about reverence towards God, respect for Him, love and appreciation, and holding God and His beloved Son in high esteem. This healthy fear was a driving force in my life to achieve all I have done and was one of the first things I instilled in my son. It warms my heart to see him lean upon the Lord for his exams or day-to-day activities. I know if he truly believes and trusts this word shared with me from my mother he will take on a whole different perspective on life. He will learn to prefer God’s opinion over his own. We cannot gain wisdom without humility and if we reject God, we cut ourselves off from our only source of true wisdom.
Winsome Callum,Director of Customer Care & Corporate Communications, JPS:She taught me the importance of gratitude. Even in the most challenging situations, she would find something to be grateful for – like the Bible says, in everything give thanks. Gratitude changes everything and I learnt that once you have an attitude of gratitude, it was not hard to stay positive and maintain an optimistic outlook on life. My mother also taught me to help others. Even with scarce resources she would share the little we had and one of my lasting memories from childhood is of her taking in people who had nowhere to go, and subsequently we learnt to share our space. We had to help the elderly and less fortunate. Now, I can’t help but help! Whenever I see others in need I feel compelled to help. I think I’ve passed this on to my son who has a very compassionate heart. My mother taught me to place God at the centre of my life. As children we had to actively participate in devotions morning and evenings (sometimes with great reluctance). At some point, when I went on my own, I stopped doing this but as an adult, whenever I got into a bind or felt pressured by the issues we invariably face in life, I always go back to the Psalms that my mother taught my siblings and I in these devotions. It’s like an anchor, a reassuring place of calm and security. I don’t know if I’ve done as good a job of passing this on to my son, but I hope I at least laid a foundation
