Mother’s Day – everyday blessings of being a mum
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
As mothers are honoured around the country today, NURIA GONSALVES, National Lead of The Salvation Army’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Engagement team, reflects on what it means to be a mum of two daughters and on the influence of her own mother.
For me, motherhood is made up of both extraordinary and everyday moments.
I have two daughters – Rionah and Rishona. Sometimes the smallest things, like making their favourite food, hearing them laugh as they play or chat with each other, teaching them a simple recipe, doing chores together as a family, or even thinking of them when I’m eating something in their absence and bringing it home for them, are the ones that matter most.
I always relate things to my own experiences when I’m correcting them, so the examples are real, and sometimes it ends up being a little funny too. When I want to pass on a lesson, I sometimes do it while driving so they can’t escape from the car.
I treasure moments of prayer together as a family. I treasure gardening with the children, weaving faith, curiosity, and joy into daily life. Through it all, I want them to see that fear need not define us and that love, kindness, and compassion should guide every action.
Reflecting on my own mother’s life, I know that she was very hardworking and disciplined. Even today, she goes to church every single morning and is up at 5am. I don’t even know if I will ever come close to that.
She was consistent, always guiding us to the Lord, and carried herself with a positive smile, even in difficult times. I want my daughters to embrace that same spirit. She taught us that happiness and sadness are both part of life and that we need to accept whatever is God’s will without losing hope.
She always said, “Let everyone find happiness, and may our lives follow it. Wish well for everyone, no matter what. Be a giver, and fill others’ cups, and yours will automatically overflow. Share the gifts of the Holy Spirit.”
Even though we now live miles apart, with my mum in India and me here, her inspiration and teachings remain deeply rooted in my heart. In so many moments, when I am unsure what to do, I find myself asking, ‘What would my mother do in this situation?’ Her guidance continues to shape my decisions and the way I live.
I also recall the advice my mother once gave me from the book of Joshua in the Bible: “Be strong and courageous … for the Lord your God is with you.”
I say the same to my daughters. I pray they grow into women who lead with compassion, stand firm in their convictions, and bring light into others’ lives.
And I want Rionah and Rishona to carry the courage and resilience my mother showed me to trust God even in the most uncertain times. I also hope they cherish our Indian roots, the culture, the language, the festivals, the food and the sense of community while embracing the opportunities of life here in Australia. These are gold nuggets that shape identity, faith, and a sense of belonging.
So, Mother’s Day, for me, is a celebration not just of my role, but of the circle of lessons passed down through generations, a reminder that faith, love, courage, laughter and generosity transcend borders, cultures and time.
PODCAST: To hear Nuria tell her story, click here
