By Bill ShulerPastor, Capital Life Church, Arlington, Virginia

At the conclusion of the Civil War, Julia Ward Howe, author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," became convinced that there was one unique group who had the power to end all wars...Mothers! Her logic was that only mothers knew what it meant to bring forth life and thus had the moral authority to unite and exert their influence to call an end to death. As America honors its mothers, the following are ten thoughts about Moms:

1. "All I am I owe to my Mother." -- George Washington

2. "I remember my Mother's prayers and they have always followed me." -- Abraham Lincoln

3. "Do not forsake your Mother's teaching."-- Proverbs 1:8

4. Mom's heartbeat was our very first affirmation that we were not alone.

5. Although we made our debut wrinkled, squished and screaming, Mom thought we were the most beautiful sight she had ever seen.

6. A mom's love can be found in the beauty of adoption and the wisdom of counsel.

7. The cord was cut at birth but the heartstrings are attached forever.

8. When God thought to describe his love for us he said, "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you."

9. There was a time when Mom mended scrapes and tended to bruises -- now just the thought of her brings healing.

10. She made you feel like your first play was Shakespeare, your first game - the World Series, your first painting - Michelangelo.

Amidst dying on the cross, Jesus made certain to instruct those present as to the care of his mother. Whether she birthed you, rescued you by adoption or filled a role that was vacant in your life, now is the time to honor her in word and deed.