Empowering Mothers in Crisis with Compassion Worldwide on Mother’s Day 2025
- ajoyce140
- May 9
- 4 min read
Whether in a delivery room or a war zone, a mother’s love doesn’t falter, it only multiplies. Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) celebrates mothers worldwide this Mother’s Day.
History of Mother’s Day
Mother's Day in North America has its roots in the early 20th century. The holiday was popularized by Anna Jarvis, an American woman who, in 1908, held a memorial for her mother in West Virginia. Inspired by her mother's work as a peace activist and her desire to honor mothers everywhere, Anna campaigned for the establishment of a national holiday.
In 1914, her efforts were successful when President Woodrow Wilson officially declared Mother's Day a national holiday, celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Initially intended as a day of remembrance for mothers, it quickly became a celebration of all mothers, with families honoring them through flowers, cards, and gifts. Today, Mother's Day in North America is a widely recognized celebration of maternal love and sacrifice.
This Mother’s Day 2025, while many are searching for mom jeans, mom necklaces, or the perfect Mother’s Day gift idea, we’re thinking about the kind of gift that lasts forever. Supporting mothers all over the world with Life for Relief and Development programs. Programs like our family assistance, emergency relief, clean water and health, give mothers what they and their children need to thrive now and well into the future.
Mothers Make the World Move, Even When It’s Breaking
Under tents, beside water trucks, in overcrowded refugee camps, and in the shadows of collapsed hospitals, mothers are doing what they’ve always done: holding their children, feeding them first, calming their fears, teaching and caring for them as best they can.
Gaza
In Gaza, where nearly every family has been displaced by months of bombing and blockade, mothers are doing whatever it takes to keep their children alive. Fatima hasn’t had a full meal in days, but she tells her children stories to make them forget how hungry they are. She hasn’t slept in peace for months, but she hums them to sleep anyway.
Sudan
Sudan’s civil conflict has created one of the world’s worst displacement crises, with over 8 million people forced from their homes. Amina walks for days with her toddler on her back and newborn in her arms, praying her milk doesn’t dry up under the scorching sun.
Ukraine
In war-torn Ukraine, many mothers are raising children in underground shelters as airstrikes continue to hit civilian areas. After the bombings destroyed their home, Olena takes care of her son by candlelight in the basement, determined to protect his future.
Afghanistan
Since girls’ education after sixth grade has been restricted across much of Afghanistan, mothers have become quiet revolutionaries behind closed doors. Zainab, mother of two girls turned her kitchen into a secret classroom, giving lessons while baking bread to keep both minds and bellies fed.
How Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) Supports Mothers Around the World
Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) is dedicated to empowering mothers in some of the most challenging environments across the globe. In Gaza, where months of bombardment and displacement have left families with nothing, LIFE is on the ground providing urgent support to mothers and their children. This includes infant formula and diapers for babies, nutritious food parcels, clean water, hygiene kits, and temporary shelters to protect families from the elements.
Through its Family Assistance Program, LIFE provides monthly aid to vulnerable single mothers and disabled heads of households, ensuring they have access to food, shelter, and essential services. This support is crucial in helping mothers care for their children and rebuild their lives while they face challenges such as conflict, displacement, and poverty.
In addition to direct assistance, LIFE's health initiatives focus on improving maternal and child health by offering accessible and affordable healthcare services. Recognizing that half the world's population lacks access to essential health services, LIFE works to break the cycle of poverty by ensuring mothers receive the care they need during pregnancy and childbirth.
Furthermore, LIFE's clean water and sanitation projects play a vital role in safeguarding the health of mothers and their families. By providing reliable access to clean water, these initiatives help prevent waterborne diseases, allowing mothers to focus on nurturing and educating their children.
Consider joining our efforts in supporting mothers facing severe hardship around the world. You can give to any of the projects mentioned above by clicking the link below.
Pearls of Wisdom from Anonymous Mothers from Around the World
Work Ethic
"Once you carry your own water, you will learn the value of every drop." - The value of earning what you have.
Impermanence
“You will never have to live this day again.”- A gentle reminder that even the hardest moments are fleeting, tomorrow always holds a new perspective.
Hope
“Happiness is just having something to look forward to.”- Even small joys on the horizon can sustain us.
Self-Reflection
“If you dislike someone for a character trait, make sure you don’t have the same one.”- Before judging others, look within. Sometimes, discomfort reveals what we need to change in ourselves.
Self-Love
“Look in the mirror and see if you see a friend in there.”- Be kind to yourself. You are the one companion who will always be there, be your own ally.
Perspective
“It’s not them, it’s how you see the world that is changing.”- Growth shifts our lens. What once felt distant or confusing often makes sense as we evolve.
Adventure
“Go everywhere you have an opportunity to go.” - Travel stretches the soul. New places, people, and paths lead to unexpected growth.
