Junius B. Dotson: Moms fight for future of kids

In today’s environment, expectations of motherhood have never been higher. Moms have never been judged more closely or had more responsibilities. And the value of a mom (or mom figure) in a child’s life has never been more critical.

This was made especially evident during the recent rioting and looting in Baltimore. The nation watched a mother, Toya Graham, physically remove her son from the crowd. Although the way she went about doing so was the subject of much debate, the result is undeniable: She moved him out of harm’s way and in the process taught him to have respect for the law and others, even in the pursuit of justice.

Mothering, though a wonderful calling, is a demanding task, filled with anxious moments and wearisome days. But the mark of an authentic parent is that they are not out to please the child. They are out to do what’s best for the kid. If parents please their child all the time, the child is the parent.

Parents are a child’s escort through life. We have, in our culture, about 18 years to escort our children safely into their own way, like a police escort that escorts specially designated travelers through traffic. Parents are to escort their children through life, safely, during the time that we have responsibility for them.

It’s too soon to know for sure if that mother’s action brought about genuine transformation in her child, but what we do know for sure is that seeds of hope were planted in him that day. We know that she is serious about fighting for her son’s future. In so doing she exercised courage, character and compassion as she removed her son from escalating violence.

Graham’s actions ought to give each of us hope. Every mother who has made mistakes and doesn’t have it all together should be reminded that it’s never too late to make a positive impact on the life of your child. You, too, can fight for the future of your children.

Satellites are often used to show us where the enemy is located. They provide pictures and perspectives so that we are kept from ambushes and traps. They provide information critical for being victorious in war.

Mothers are supposed to be like satellites, providing a perspective for their kids in order to keep them from being ambushed in illegitimate relationships and activities.

The wave of violence that is sweeping our country is an altar call summoning every mother to stand up and be counted. Change comes slowly. It does not happen overnight.

Today, I celebrate mothers. I am hopeful and grateful to mothers who ensure the future of our community and nation by exercising courage, strength of character and compassion with and for their children.

This story was originally published May 9, 2015 at 7:02 PM with the headline "Junius B. Dotson: Moms fight for future of kids."