Once in a year, we are reminded of our mothers! As you know in this business world, it has become just one of the “marketing” slogans to sell something on this day every year; however, it is human nature that we can’t forget our great mothers who suffered and sacrificed their lives in many ways in the past. Sometimes, especially it is hard for 21st-century people to grasp how these great people were able to manage their family life in the hardship of earlier Centuries!
Yes, it is Susanna Wesley, mother of John Wesley, known to the world as “Mother of Methodism.” I admire her greatly; because not only she was my own mother’s role model, but also now as a grown-up man, I came to know her better by reading her life’s history. My mother was a Methodist country preacher’s wife, and I still remember what she used to tell me about Susanna Wesley in my childhood days, and I still can’t forget it!
The 21st Century people, especially women will be surprised to know how Susanna Wesley was able to “manage” her family with nineteen (19) children, while her husband in the 18th Century was so busy with his work in preaching.
Susanna as a daughter of one of the London (UK) pastors was married to Samuel Wesley (preacher) in 1688. History tells us that as a preacher’s daughter and wife, Susanna experienced many hardships throughout her life. Believe it or not, sometimes it is hard for me to read and grasp how the married family life in those days was.
Her husband (Samuel Wesley) at one point left her in a minor family dispute, just like any of our modern-day married life; however, their reconciliation led to the birth of a child known to the world as John Wesley in 1703. As you know the rest of the history of her two boys, John Wesley and Charles Wesley, the founders of “Methodism.”
Many things can be written about her family life; however, I will close with one of her written quotes on this Mother’s Day “I am a woman, but I am also the mistress of a large family. And though the superior charge of the souls contained in it lies upon you, yet in your long absence I cannot but look upon every soul you leave under my charge as a talent committed to me under a trust. I am not a man or a minister, yet as a mother and a mistress, I felt ought to do more than I had yet done. I resolved to begin with my own children; in which I observe the following method: I take such a proportion of time as I can spare every night to discourse with each child apart. On Monday I talk with Molly, on Tuesday with Hetty, Wednesday with Nancy, Thursday with Jacky, Friday with Patty, Saturday with Charles.”
John later wrote about his mother fondly remembering his special time with her. As you know because of the fire incident that took place on February 9, 1709, he (John Wesley) became her special child. As a child, John took care of very well after his father Samuel’s death. Great mother!
As we know Mother’s Day started in the USA in 1908. Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia (USA). In fact, with all of my due respect, on this Mother’s Day, the credit goes to Susanna Wesley, the mother of “Methodism.”
I don’t know about you, but Susanna Wesley became not only my mother but other Methodist preacher children’s mother’s role models throughout the world too! Because of her son’s ministry, our great grandfathers came to know Jesus Christ as a Son of God and Savior.
If not for her ministry first in the family, which raised great leaders like John Wesley and Charles Wesley, I don’t think my generation would be Christian or believers in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Therefore, on this Mother’s Day, I am reminded of this great mother, and also children of the world who lost his or her mother at early stages of life. God bless you mothers, and also neglected children of the world!
Happy Mother’s Day!
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Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of any organizations mentioned or affiliated with the author. The information provided is based on personal reflection and historical research and should not be construed as professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, readers are encouraged to conduct their research and consult with relevant experts or authorities for any specific inquiries or concerns.
Additionally, references to religious figures and events are presented within the context of personal admiration and should not be interpreted as advocating for any particular religious doctrine. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content provided. Readers are encouraged to exercise critical thinking and discernment when engaging with the ideas presented in this blog post.