Celebrating a Purposeful Mother on Mothering Sunday
Yesterday was Mothering Sunday, observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, a tradition dating back to the 16th century in England. Originally, it was a day when people returned to their “mother church”, the cathedral or main church of their birthplace. It was both a spiritual pilgrimage and a symbolic return home, which later evolved into a special day to honor mothers, particularly within the Christian tradition.
Yesterday, I took time, deliberately, to celebrate and honor my wife, Oluwafunmilayo Akinlami, the mother of our son. A woman who not only understands spiritual things but is wholeheartedly committed to raising our child in the way of the Lord.
Spiritual Intentionality from the Beginning
From the moment our son was in the womb, she has been intentional:
- playing worship music in the delivery room,
- making bold pronouncements of faith,
- curating faith-filled playlists in the car,
- and creating an atmosphere of spiritual awareness in our home.
Today, our son sings many of those same songs, meaningful worship, rooted in truth and Christian values. Just last week, I posted a video of him singing joyfully. I credit this to her deliberate and consistent efforts.
A Faithful Parenting Partnership
Together, we are committed to demonstrating and instilling the values of Christ in our son. And while we both contribute, I must emphasize, she has been a faithful partner who also takes credible initiative in this regard.
She is active and invested in his spiritual growth, from morning devotions to Sunday school preparation and follow-up discussions on his memory verses and lessons.
Our Parenting Philosophy: The Four Pillars
Her parenting isn’t accidental, it is purposeful, reflective, and rooted in wisdom. We follow the Power Parenting Philosophy, which is based on four primary principles:
- Being Purposeful – Starting with the end in mind. We raise our son with clear intention, not just reacting, but directing.
- Building Capacity – We grow ourselves as parents by acquiring knowledge, skills, and the right attitudes. It’s a lifelong journey of learning.
- Applying Wisdom – We intentionally apply godly principles to real-life situations, whether in discipline, decision-making, or daily habits.
- Modeling – We live what we teach. Our values, language, and lifestyle form the first lessons our son will learn.
Honoring a Mother of Faith
As a 50 Plus Dad, I do not take lightly the honor and responsibility of raising a child at this stage of life. And I celebrate my wife for rising to that responsibility, gracefully and powerfully.
From pregnancy to parenting, she has juggled many roles with wisdom and grace. She ensures that we not only care for our son physically and emotionally but also model spiritual depth in all we do.
She’s even composed original songs, some in Yoruba, our native language, which have become daily rituals in our home. These songs are now part of our son’s spiritual culture: a call to prayer, a rhythm of devotion, a call to Christian identity. In our home, discipline is shaped by culture, not punishment, and she lives that out beautifully.
In the Lineage of Great Women
Today, and always, I acknowledge your presence.
Thank you for being the track on which our son is running with faith. Thank you for your devotion, your passion, and your heart. You are making a difference, and it shows.
You remind me of great women of faith:
- Lois and Eunice – the grandmother and mother of Timothy, who passed on a legacy of sincere faith (2 Timothy 1:5).
- Hannah – who dedicated Samuel to the Lord and raised him with purpose.
- Susanna Wesley – mother of John and Charles Wesley, who raised spiritual giants through devotion and discipline.
You are in that lineage.
Final Words
Keep shining.
Keep building.
Keep singing.
And keep raising a generation that knows the Lord.
