Returning home on Mother’s Day. In the UK we have had Mothering Sunday (Mother’s Day) since the Middle Ages. At that time, children left home to undertake domestic service duties; often many miles away. Working away like this meant that there were very few opportunities to return home, especially as ‘home’ was very far away.
Mothering Sunday began as the day that people were allowed to return to their ‘mother church’, from domestic service. During the trip home, Lent fasting rules were relaxed and families were reunited for the holiday. Attending the church service together as a family, where all the disparate members had returned, was a rare event.
Returning home after a season of hard work and fasting, seeing siblings and other family members after months of absence is indeed, a cause for celebration.
How about now?
This Mothering Sunday, however, no one is returning to their ‘Mother Church’ because it is closed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). For those of the Christian faith, who meet for fellowship, knowledge and collective worship, the loss of church may coincide with the loss of identity. Perhaps purpose as well.
What is the effect of this loss of identity and purpose to the psyche?
For others that usually return to family, perhaps from far off distances, the inability to return home, is distressing. Despite the longing to return home, there is great fear that the return could mean the possibility of infecting elderly parents.
The return home could mean death, for the very ones that you love and want to care for.
What is the effect of this fear for the returning child, returning home – Mother’s Day?
During this Coronavirus pandemic there is a great deal of fear and uncertainty. Selfishness and kindness. It’s a ‘mixed bag’, requiring stellar leadership to help us through this crisis. This is the time for Maverick Leaders.
Maverick Leaders can consider doing the following things:
- Remember who you are and what you stand for
- Help others to adapt to the situation by painting the picture and narrating the story
- Be as sure as you can be of the facts, and likely scenarios, share your plans and confidence. Be known for calm not panic!
- Empathise with those struggling with the change and uncertainty
- Stay realistic and positive
- Act decisively
- Think of novel ways to help others and solve obstacles in your way
- Look after yourself
Remember, stay balanced and allow your Maverick nature to shine through and help you lead yourself and others through this turbulent times.