The Mena weekly star., 1916-05-25
Our sI9otbers
The Rcd and White.
Iv tile t.lfmnler :.


 aside a special day and devote the time in eulosy and praise of his achievements So when we attempt to do homage to the mothers Of onr land doesn't it seem that one day used for that purpose is much too short to do them creditg For surely their achievements are much more than that of any other. Is their name fully exalted; have We given them sufficient competence for our ex- istence?
 But on this one day we center our attention solely 0n the subject oi our dear mothers. and in making them happy This might be called the Banner Mothers Day, the day when the eolors are worn as a trib-- ute both to the mothers living and to those departed. The .col0rs that signify the love and respect We feel to our mother living. and the mem ory and honor we still have for her fl dead, namely, the red and the white.
 Though the red rose may seem in significant in our sense it speaks volumes in the language of Mothers Day. II is worn by us who are so fortunate as to have our mothers still with us. It is meant to express the joy We feel in seeing them pres ent. the feeling Of pride we owe to those who feel so much pride in us. for what mother Is not intensely proud of her children, though the world sees but the eommonplace2
 | is the sign Of the covenant we are renewing on this day with the best friend We ever had. To wear the red is to say to her, Mother. today ! wish Co show to you and the world that my allegiance is renewed. that ! realize that no one believes more steadfastly in me and I am endeayoring to repay by this ex- pression of my love. Your advice all example have always influenced me to the good, and to you and your influence ] am infinitely grateful. Henceforth l intend to follow in the paths of your teachings and to be- lieve in your God.
 We must not go about these things as if it were mere duty For, after all, is it not distinct pleasure to devote some time to frightening the lives of those who have spent so much time for us? Who among us ever had better friend2 Who will sacrifice so much for us2 Who understands us so wellg That, is the secret of moth- CT love; that ability to understand us in all our vagaries. Through t she can forgive the apparent neg lect we sometimes show. and through it our errors are sometimes forstalled and ameliorated.
 Mothers. in behalf of all children. let me say that though we may wander afar. thoueh we may tread the paths Of sin and iniquity, and though our acts are such as to speak utter abandonment of good m all hours of the day dwells with in us your memory and influence. Ever striving against the wicked influences that beset us is the mem- ory of you. and that memory does more in our behalf than you some times suspect Whether in success or failure in this world, when things thru against us and all seems lost. again we wish to lay our head against your loving breast and cry. Rock me to sleep, Mother, Rock me to sleep
 Let us do more than wear the red flower. Let's resolve to make life more pleasant for mother while she lives. Let us repay her for the many sleepless nights by our con tinued loyalty and by doing that which Is right and good Do that which Mother expects: stand out m the world for things worth while and make ourselves an honor to her.
 And the white flower-the sign of purity and goodness-we wear to- day in memory of our mother if dead. Once she was as fresh and beautiful as thesswhite flower We wear in her memory, but like it she withered and is now gone. Did we do her justice while she livedP Did We do everything we should to show our devolion2 After her death We become more fully cognizant of our neglect and the many heart-breaks We caused her. but we know her confidence in ns never wavered. never did she eease to strive for our good.
 Nor does the white flower denote a cessation in Mothers influence. it IS ever present yea magnitlcd. when she is dead IL increases to the extent of changing mems lives and influencing all our activities For seoffers may deriae. and lauht- CTS may question the teachincs of men from the pulpit. There is no one but knows where mother spends eternity Could the simple trusting life she lived lead to anyone bnt Aim2 Her religion dispensed with all theology, hers was the kind of religion that Christ taught and the kind that is doing so much to ad- vance His kingdom here on earth.
 Tread softly, speak reverensly. to- day we visit Mothers grave. There m the solitude, let me live again for but brief period with her let me review my life and bring to mind fhp rnanx, hoa,sfst,,l ,,,a,,, <.,.s.