Laughter, love and encouragement filled the ballroom at the Best Western Gateway Grand on Saturday, May 9, as women gathered for the Compassionate Outreach Ministries’ Mothers Daughters Luncheon during Mother’s Day weekend.
The luncheon served as a reminder of the enduring strength found in faith, family and the bond between mothers and daughters.
The ballroom transformed into a scene of elegance with pink roses, glowing candles and leopard-print accents decorating the tables, chairs and napkins. Women arrived dressed in pink and leopard attire, embracing the luncheon’s theme symbolizing beauty and strength.
The afternoon featured worship, fellowship and entertainment, including performances by the C.O.M. Praise Ensemble and a special mother-daughter dance by Ahbiya Young and Ahariya Jones. Prophetess Regina Wims, a member of Compassionate Outreach Ministries, served as host for the event.
“There’s something very special about a mother,” Wims said. “They are caring and loving and even when they [children] rebel, mothers will always pray for them.”
Pastor Margaret Dennison of Compassionate Outreach Ministries said the annual luncheon continues to strengthen the bonds between women and their daughters while creating lasting memories for families.
“This is another exciting event for mothers and daughters and women,” Dennison said. “This is why I strive so hard for this to be during Mother’s Day weekend because sometimes daughters don’t be with their mom until today. Mothers should have a day every day, not only today.”
Dennison said attendees eagerly anticipate the gathering each year.
“They all seem to love it,” she said. “They all look forward to being here, and I look forward to having them.”
Dennison also honored the memory of her mother, Doris Elizabeth Collins, who helped establish the Mother Daughter Luncheon and passed away two years ago.
“I miss my mother,” she said. “She was one of the founders of this Mother Daughter Luncheon, and she’s been gone now for two years, but every Mother’s Day, she’s been with me for over 25 years at the Mother and Daughter Luncheon, and I do miss her. The legacy lives on in my heart and the hearts of all the ladies here at Compassionate Outreach Ministries. She’s missed, and I love her. More today than I did yesterday.”
Among the guests were mother Wanda Owens and daughter April Jasper, who said they have attended the luncheon for years and continue to look forward to the celebration.
“I’ve been coming for years, and I love the different people who speak at the luncheon. It is very encouraging for women,” Owens said. “I like seeing everybody come together. With all that we do, we need to be celebrated.”
Jasper said the luncheon becomes more beautiful each year.
“Every year it gets more and more amazing, especially the decorations,” Jasper said.
Bishop Dr. Carolyn Love delivered a message centered on identity and perseverance behind the luncheon’s pink and leopard theme.
“A leopard never asks for permission to be powerful,” Love said. “Pink never apologizes to be beautiful, powerful, and present. You have the anointing that pink brings and the power that the leopard represents. You have the blessing of both. You can be soft and strong. Softness is controlled strength.”
Love also encouraged attendees to remain grateful despite life’s hardships.
“Through all that I’ve been through, I am still in my right mind and for that I give him all the glory,” she said. “Some people have lost the race, and you are still in it.”
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville church again hosts luncheon for mothers and daughters
Reporting by Voleer Thomas/Special to The Sun / The Gainesville Sun
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