Pastor’s Perspective: The shade they gave us: Honoring those who paved the way

By Guest Columnist Rev. J.D. Yates

As Mother’s Day approaches, our hearts turn toward the women who shaped us—not just with their hands, but with their hearts, sacrifices and prayers. And yet, despite the magnitude of their contribution, we often fail to fully recognize the extent of a mother’s selflessness. Mothers have historically been the unsung heroes—nurturing their families while standing firm against the storms of society. There is an old proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” True enough—but look closely, and you’ll find a mother at the heart of that village.

Her day begins before the first light and ends long after everyone is asleep. She weaves her schedule around her children’s needs, manages the household, provides emotional support and somehow still finds the strength to push forward. Consider the mother who attends night classes after her shift, trying to build a better life for her family. Think of the mother who juggles multiple jobs, just so her child can wear the uniform and cheer with pride. Or the mother who quietly puts her dreams on hold so her children can chase theirs.

These aren’t just kind acts—they are monumental acts of legacy-building, done without applause. Their labor of love echoes the words of 1 Corinthians 13:7, “Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This isn’t just a verse—it’s a lived testimony, written in lunchboxes packed, in tears wiped away, in prayers whispered late at night. In recent years, we have seen these same mothers rise as leaders in community advocacy. During protests and movements for justice, it was often the mothers who stood on the frontlines—organizing, leading and speaking truth to power. Their courage at home seamlessly transitions to courage in the streets, continuing the fight to secure a better world for their children. But we must also lift up the unsung legacy of grandmothers.

In a growing number of African-American households, it is the grandmother who serves as the family anchor. She is the school contact, the problem-solver, the prayer warrior and the peacemaker. These Godly grandmothers remind us of the “old time way”—when faith, respect and love were the pillars of the home.

One story, in particular, captures the essence of legacy. A young boy, on his thirteenth birthday, is given a small tree to plant by his father.

“How long before I can climb it?” he asks.

“About fifty years,” his father replies. “But you won’t climb this one—it’s for your great-grandchildren.”

The trees already towering in his yard were planted by great-grandparents he never met, yet he now lives in the shade of their foresight. That is what our mothers and grandmothers do. They plant seeds—of faith, character and strength—not for themselves, but for those they may never see. And many of us today are living under the shade of those trees.

This Mother’s Day, let’s do more than buy flowers. Let’s honor the spiritual and generational foundation laid by these women. Let’s reflect on the power of their prayers, the strength of their hands and the warmth of their presence. Let us not overlook the roots from which we’ve grown.

To every mother and grandmother—we see you, we thank you, and we love you.
Happy Mother’s Day.