Honour your mother while you can; she is your angel on earth

I regularly meet people from all walks of life.

But from my boda boda plugs right to the top CEOs of multi-billion-shilling companies, I rarely mention anything about my upbringing. This phenomenon is due to the fact that people always treat or judge you based on how they met or found you.

Understandably in life, we always seek to portray ourselves as self-made successful people. But unknown to our conscience as we seek to inflate our egos is the fact that there is always that one person who saw us when we were nothing.

Someone laid the groundwork for everything we aspire to accomplish in life. When we achieve any form of success, we always attribute it to hard work and perseverance, often disregarding the sacrifice our parents made to groom, nurture, and shape us into the individuals who stand out in the communities.

Conversely, when we encounter difficulties, we tend to blame our upbringing, which essentially refers to our families. But here’s the clue for success or failure in life. No matter how far life takes us, no one on this earth can ever take the place of a mother.

I wish to share a moment of washing my mother’s feet, not as an act of duty, but as a public confession of deep gratitude and love. When I was young, helpless, and in need, it was her hands that held me, her sacrifices that sheltered me, and her prayers that carried me through every storm.

She stood by my side, placed her faith in me, and remained steadfast, even when the world seemed to abandon us. Now, as she enters her twilight years, it is my honour and my calling to care for her just as she cared for me.

The Bible teaches us, “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).

Jesus himself, even in his final moments, ensured his mother was cared for (John 19:26–27). This is not just a commandment. It is a privilege given to us by God. To everyone who still has a mother, show up for her.

A wife, a girlfriend, or even your own children can never replace the unique love and sacrifice your mother freely gave to you. Call her. Visit her. Ask her what she needs, not just with words, but with your hands and your heart.

Wash her feet, metaphorically or literally, and let her know she is honoured while she can still hear your voice, feel your touch, and see your love in action. If your mother has already gone to be with the Lord, pray for her soul.

Remember, her prayers and love continue to surround you. God’s angels are near to those who mourn, and your prayers gently lift her closer to His throne. I am who I am because my mother became the vessel of God’s love and obedience, choosing faith over fear and hope over despair.

I stand grateful, and I pray you will do the same. Cherish your mother, honour her, and let the world see your love and gratitude shine before it is too late. A mother is not just our first love. She is, in so many ways, a glimpse of God’s love here on earth.

At the end of it all, celebrating our mothers is a beautiful way to honour their love, their sacrifices, and the profound impact they have on our lives. Their unconditional love, sacrifices, and hard work, on top of being our first teachers and role models, provide us the kindness, resilience, and values that shape who we become.

Mothers are emotional pillars that encourage and uplift us like nothing else. They are our strength and perseverance by balancing work, family, and personal struggles with incredible strength.

They keep families connected, thereby creating a sense of belonging and unity. Therefore, it’s important to remember that life moves quickly, and dedicating time to celebrate mothers encourages us to express our gratitude before it’s too late.

Even a small act of gratitude can have a profound impact on them. My people, please spend quality time with your mother. When you have time, cook her favourite meal, give her a break, provide her with a meaningful gift, or simply tell her how much she means to you.

All in all, our mothers deserve recognition not just on special days, but every day. Celebrating them is a way of giving back even a fraction of the love they have given us.

The author is vice chancellor, Victoria University.