According to the latest polls, the word "Mother" is the most revered word in the English language. More phone calls are made on Mother's Day than any other day of the year.

As lesbians, the majority of us are not Mothers-never given birth, stayed up all night with a sick child, prayed and fussed over a wayward teenager, cried when the wrong choices were made, smiled and swelled with pride at their accomplishments, offered praise for work well done.

At one time or another, we have all been at odds with our Mothers. More often than not, mine was right on with her advice-for my straight sister. Not so right on with me. And she knew it. Deep down Mother's know. They have that 6th or 7th sense and just KNOW things. When I finally came out to my parents my Mother's first words were, "Well, I always knew you were different and then I figured it out." But she didn't tell me.

You think Jesus' Mother knew he was different? Knew what a long, hard struggle his life would be, knew he would die early, and knew he was special? I bet she did.

	John 19:25-27  Standing near the cross were Jesus' Mother,
        and his Mother's sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary
        Magdalene.  When Jesus saw his Mother standing beside the
        disciple he loved, he said, "Woman, he is your son."  And he
        said to this disciple, "She is your Mother."  And from then 
        on this disciple took her into his home."

This is the last request He made before his death: take care of my Mother. What a profound commandment.

This Mother's Day, thank God for your Mother. Regardless of what kind of parent she was, she was your beginning. If you haven't come out to your Mother, it may be time. After all, who knows you better? And what better way to celebrate her life than to celebrate yours……