View Points
Mama always told me…
by Dr. T
How many times has your Mother’s voice echoed in your head as you faced a challenging situation or even a momentous occasion in your life? There are those “things” Mama always said that are indelibly etched on our hearts and souls, and resonate in our minds. As we enter the graduation season there will be hundreds of thousands of Mothers, Fathers, families and friends gathered to listen to mostly mediocre speeches while waiting to hear that one name called in the class of 2016. Tears will roll, exuberant cheers, and shouts of joy and glee-filled celebrations will blanket the nation over the next four or five weeks as high schools, technical colleges, colleges and universities hold their commencement exercises nationwide. And we remember that Mama told us… “You can do it, if you really try!”
Mothers have an ability to believe in us against all odds. They have a hope and a vision for each child that they bring into this world. A plan and a promise that they have held within their hearts and no one but God could know. They have dreamed, pushed, prodded, disciplined and prayed for us. They have hoped against all hope for the day when they would see their child fulfill their destiny and accomplish those impossible dreams that once seemed so far away. Even those of us whose Mothers are no longer in the land of the living can still hear our Mother’s voice saying, “Be careful of the company you keep” or “Not everyone who talks about friendship is really a friend.” We are all left with the task of making our Mothers proud of us whether she’s still present in our lives or has gone on to her Ancestral home.
You know that you have somebody on your side when your Mother steps in the door. She will tell you the truth whether you want to hear it or not, and no matter how it “feels” she has your best interest at heart. Remember she’s been thinking about your life a lot longer than you have! Mama always told me to “be careful to treat people like you want to be treated” and “don’t burn your bridges if you can help it because the same bridge you used to get to the other side you may need to come back one day.” You know what? Mama was right!
Being a Mother is an awesome responsibility and many do the job very well, while others may sometimes struggle with the role of motherhood for all kinds of reasons, many of which are beyond their control; but, whether or not we feel the job was well done or not, the fact is none of us would be here had we not come through a woman 
called Mother. As we recognize and honor the women who raised us, whether they be related by “blood” or not, let us also remember that Mothers hold incredible influence and have a tremendous impact on our lives. The Mother who raised me “knows” the impact she had on all 6 of the children she raised because we tell her as often as we can! These women who raised us, taught us to be the Mothers we are and the Mothers (and Fathers) we will someday become deserve our utmost love and appreciation.
Mama always told me, “Child, your mama didn’t raise no punks so you gotta figure your stuff out and take care of you… and dress up when you leave the house – look presentable…you’re not just representing yourself!” Mama was right!
Up Next Week: Be A Designated Driver!
