Sacred sparks is witness and wonder . . . together.
I hope that the questions and images from this series leads us toward recognizing sacred moments with your family.
Grownups, this first little part is for us. Imagine we are sitting down for coffee. A little chat, from me to you, about the sparks for the day. Then, Sacred Sparks begins below.
The Mothers
Your family is beautiful. Just exactly as you are.
I want to say that, right now, at the beginning of this week that leads to Mother’s Day. Your family may have a dad, mom, two dogs and several kids. Your family might be two moms, a lizard, and one child. Your family might be a foster dad, a teenager, and a pet fish.
Your family is beautiful. Parenting is holy work. It never looks perfect. There is always something that’s messy. And you are beloved. Truly, beloved.
I want to take a minute to name why I write this to “kids” and their “grownups.” There is not one way a family should look and not one expectation of how a child should behave/respond/express themselves. There are many iterations of who holds the “parent” role in a family - dads, foster parents, moms, grandparents, relatives, caregivers, and more.
So, I write to “kids.” They may be 12 but act like a three year old some days. That’s okay, we are all growing. You are beloved. I name the people in the parent role as “grown ups” because it’s a broad description that reaches a lot of families. And don’t we want that reach and that embrace? You are beloved.
Today, we will look at two leaders who made Mother’s Day happen as a national event and why. And a leader in scripture who used her privilege for good.
Let’s think about the mothers. Today, we will read Acts 9:36-43.
Thanks for connecting with Sacred Sparks! Paid subscribers receive all sections of Sacred Sparks including:
Consider, Wonder, Assurance of Belovedness, and Ignite, and links to the Podcast)
Consider
Do you know what holiday we celebrate this coming Sunday? The second Sunday in May is celebrated in the United States as “Mother’s Day” - some people like to call it “Mothering Sunday.” This is a day to honor the women in your life who care for you - this could be your Mom, if you have moms in your home. This could be a grandparent, a special teacher, an aunt, or a grown up who has loved you with a caring and mothering love.
How did celebrating Mother’s Day start? It started as a way to honor the important things that women do. Let’s have a quick trivia game to see if you know these facts. When you know the answer, show a thumbs up.
Who wrote a “Mother’s Day Proclamation” to unite women in world peace? Julia Ward Howe. In 1870, she wrote an idea to celebrate a “Mother’s Peace Day” that she wanted to be celebrated in June. That got more ideas started about Mother’s Day over the next few decades.
Who made Mother’s Day an official holiday? Anna Jarvis. In the early 1900’s Anna wanted to honor the ways mothers cared for their families, so she got the whole nation excited to celebrate mothers. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared that the second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day.
Maybe this week you will celebrate a mother or a special woman in your life. Let’s think about the women who care for us well.
Try this: Close your eyes and picture the woman you want to honor on Mother’s Day. Picture her face when she is proud of you, picture her in her best moments, picture her when you tell her good news. As you open your eyes, think about how you can make her smile and feel special.
Let’s think about a woman who loved her community well. We will read Acts 9:36-43.
Wonder
What do you wonder about the people in these verses? Share what you are curious about.
Tabitha (also named Dorcas) was known for her works of charity. That means work she did for people in need, out of kindness. Scholars think that she was a wealthy person, and she was known for being generous. What feelings do you think the women near her had at this time? What feelings did Peter have? Maybe fear, sadness, or gratitude.
“All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them.” The women remembered her kindness by telling stories about what she shared. Sometimes, when we remember special people, we think about items they gave us. Tell about a special item that a loved one gave you that helps you remember them well.
The part of the story when Peter tells her to “get up!” can be a little confusing. How can a person who died get up and walk? We are not sure. This is considered a “miracle” story, and those can bring questions. It is okay to wonder about these stories in the Bible, and it’s definitely okay to think them through. I like to think about the idea that, we were not there at this time, with all the medical knowledge that we have today. If a doctor from today was there, telling this story, maybe they would have different medical details about her illness? We don’t know.
What we do know is that we get this story, told by people who were very sad, then very grateful to remember their friend, then very happy when their friend became alive again. How do you feel when you hear this story of Tabitha?
Assurance of Belovedness
Grown ups, look your children in the eyes and offer these words to them. Kids, look your grown up in the eyes and offer these words right back to them.
“I love who you are.
I love the way you see the world, and
I love how you are becoming more wonderful every day.
This world needs YOU in it. ”
What about Summer? What does your group need?
Ready for the Summer season? Would your small group enjoy a subscription to do Sacred Sparks together? Your community group, parent group, Sunday School class, etc. can get a discount when you get a group subscription.
Share Sacred Sparks with someone?
Thank you!
I am so grateful you have taken the time to experience Sacred Sparks. This work is done with intention, hope, and a few cups of coffee. I write from from the heart, with my training as an educator and a #traumainformedparent, and with a floor covered in “plus-plus” blocks and magnatiles.
Would you please share an insight about this one? Comment and share what "sparked" for you?
