Every second Sunday in the month of May has been earmarked to celebrate our mothers in the Stone Church family. This year is not an exception; as our mother where not only celebrated, but also celebrated themselves in a grand style. The service on Sunday wasn’t business as usual. It was lined up with a variety of activities that coloured the atmosphere and made it a day.
There were various presentations: renditions, playlet, choreography, and award of gifts. There were admonitions and the height of the event—the sermon. Mrs. Funmi Akinremi, who is a staunch and pious member of the church, delivered the message she titled ‘Arise, Oh Woman’. The texts below were culled from her sermon:
‘According to the dictionary, to arise means to get up, ascend or to move up. It also means to begin to exist or come to limelight’.
She took her texts from Judges 5:7, Isa 60:1-3, which states:
The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. Judges 5:7
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Isa 60:1-3
She justified the call to arise as a woman with the following points:
- You true height cannot be seen when you sit down
- Until you embark on a journey, you cannot arrive at a destination
- No dream comes through until you arise to work
- Even Jesus arose to go about His Father’s work
She enunciated the story of Ruth, who despite been a poor widow, and a stranger in Israel, arose in the midst of these predicaments, and her story changed for good. She claimed ‘as you arise to your call and duty as a woman, do know that obstacles will come your way; but be rest assured you will conquer through God’s sure help. Nothing good comes easy. Every act of rising requires energy, consistency and consciousness. You are a person stronger than you think’.
Conclusively, she admonished our woman to be faithful, prayerful, studious and industrious. They should stand out in their engagements. Also, they should continually praise God because no praiser can be imprisoned. They should laugh often than murmur; because laughter is a tranquilizer that has no side effect.
