Opinion
By Sherian Berteau
5/11/25
My mother went to Heaven around 4 Am on December 28, 2024- she was 91, and the Godliest, kindest, fun-loving, generous, and beautiful soul I have ever known. She was a wonderful Mother, loving and disciplined- teaching me all life’s necessary skills to be a good woman, wife, and mother as an adult. She was from a different generation- grew up poor, one of seven children, and lived through wars and depression. She was married young, at 17, to my father, John Douglas Wilsher, a Godly, good man, before he went to Heaven on their 59th wedding anniversary, March 25, 2009. Her fondest wish was to be a Mother (and particularly to have daughters because she grew up with four brothers!), and God granted her wish with two daughters soon after her marriage.
She was the embodiment of a Godly Mother. Attending Church, knowing Scripture, reading the Bible daily, and praying was important to her and part of our daily lives. She told me-“When you come to truly know Jesus, to have a daily, personal relationship with Him-He changes your life in every way.” This is especially important for Mothers.
We have the ability to not only nurture and carry God’s creation of life, but shape and influence another human being by loving, valuing, nurturing and being an example of Jesus’s unconditional love and caring for all of us. By valuing each individual, meeting them where they are at in their lives and spiritual journey, making them feel loved, seen, heard, and important. People may forget what you wear, what you give, what you say, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
My mother had that special gift- she greeted everyone she met like they were old friends, made a point of complimenting them, and especially making them laugh. She told me during difficult times in my life – “Sherian, always remember no one loves you and knows you like your Mother and God, and no one will forgive you more than they will.” Words to live by for all Mothers.
I miss you, Mom, especially today on my first Mother’s Day without you. I will never live up to your example, but I’m doing my best. Thank you for being a Godly mom and woman, and my biggest champion. I’m sure Jesus is happy to have you in heaven, and you are happy to be there, but I miss you everyday, and especially today, on Mothers Day. God Bless Mothers- they are Gods gift to the world to care for all His children. I love this prayer by Pastor Allen Jackson, so beautifully said….
A prayer for Mothers- by Pastor Allen Jackson
Heavenly Father, we thank You for our Mothers. Thank you for their lives and for the gifts You have entrusted to them. Bless them today. Be attentive to the prayers they have prayed in the quiet times of the night. Lord, remember their sacrifices they have made- the times they put themselves further down the list that they might show love and kindness and share their lives with those who needed it. Renew their strength. Watch over the seeds they have planted in the hearts of their children, and help those seeds bear fruit as their children grow and mature. May they see and experience Your faithfulness in the lives of their children and their families. Thank you for each mother, and help this Mothers Day be a time of joy, hope, love and faith filled thoughts and discussions. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Sherian Wilsher-Berteau is a 3rd generation native Floridian, who grew up in Fernandina Beach. Mother of 4, Gigi to 5- former multiple business owner, now retired & enjoying pursuing my passions-writing, cooking, & travel!
The views expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Citizens Journal Florida.
