It can seem lonely fighting an industry. The fight against the FDA can indeed be overwhelming. As a mother, I just want to use my homeopathy in peace. When my Budget has been zero and their Budget is in the billions…. with a “B” you can start to feel defeated before you’ve even began.
It’s not just the work for the fight, but the work at home:
- -Phone calls to representatives while fixing dinner.
- -Writing emails to comment on the Citizen’s Petition while helping with homework.
- -Flying to speak with FDA in person and on your own dime.
Don’t mistake, we are fighting a giant.
Sometimes, the thoughts of “How can I make a difference?” and “What can one person do to change the tidal wave that is coming?” keep you awake at night.
Well, those thoughts and all the hundreds of other things you must do tomorrow… did I pick up the dry cleaning?
I imagine Ann Marie Jarvis had trouble sleeping too. She was a wife and mother during the mid-1800’s in Virginia, and I’d like to introduce her to you.
In the wake of adversity such as this, it’s helpful to remember that many amazing women have gone before us, in their resolution to protect their children and family. Learning about them can inspire us to keep moving forward.
Ann Marie was no stranger to loss, having lost 9 of her 13 children to disease. Ann Marie used these losses to take action to combat childhood disease and unsanitary conditions. While she may not have been fighting for homeopathy like we are, she was fighting for the same people: her family and for the children of other fellow mothers. She founded Mothers’ Day Work Clubs which sought to help and educate families to reduce disease and infant mortality. These clubs raised money to buy medicine and to hire women to work in families where the mother suffered health problems. They developed programs to inspect milk long before there were state requirements. Club members visited households to educate mothers and their families about improving sanitation and overall health.
After being a victim of disease, she wanted to prevent mothers from going through the sorrows she experienced. Doesn’t that sound familiar? Many of us are fighting for homeopathy because drugs have brought real sorrows into our homes, either by their side effects or because there aren’t good drug options for certain conditions. We want to protect homeopathy and thereby prevent mothers from using toxic chemical drugs that can be avoided with something as safe and effective as homeopathy. Like Ms. Jarvis, we seek to protect homeopathy because we want to look at our children and see vibrant, healthy bodies.
Ann Marie’s story doesn’t end there. During the Civil War, her community was torn in two. Her clubs took the unpopular stand to treat all soldiers the same…no matter the color of his uniform. Jarvis’ efforts to keep the community together continued after the Civil War ended. After the fighting concluded, public officials seeking ways to eliminate post-war strife called on Jarvis to help. She and her club members planned a “Mothers Friendship Day” for soldiers from both sides and their families to help the healing process. Despite threats of violence, Jarvis successfully staged the event in 1868. She shared with the veterans a message of unity and reconciliation. Bands played “Dixie” and the “Star Spangled Banner” and the event ended with everyone, north and south, joining together to sing “Auld Lang Syne.” This effective and emotional event reduced many to tears.
Mama Bear Jarvis is truly an inspiration to us today. Among the medical community, and to those who are still being misled by Big Pharma, we too have what can sometimes be seen as an unpopular message. How dare we use homeopathy when there is “real medicine” out there? Despite their misinformation, we know what is best for our children; we will be successful in our efforts.
On the year anniversary of her death, Ann Marie’s daughter, Anna Jarvis held a memorial service for her mother and handed out white carnations to all the mothers in attendance. Ann’s church held annual memorial services honoring all mothers. Soon the practice spread to neighboring cities, states and even other countries. Anna Jarvis also embarked on a mission to make Mother’s Day an officially recognized holiday in the United States. She succeeded when, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a congressional resolution officially making the second Sunday in May national Mother’s Day. http://www.wvculture.org/history/archives/women/jarvis.html
The mama bears of Americans for Homeopathy Choice honor Ann Marie Jarvis. Via social media and the internet, we are linking arms with other moms across this wonderful nation, and in today’s blog post, we link arms across American History, to a mother and mentor who inspires us to continue our fight for health and wellness through homeopathy.
Remember the adage, “Many hands make light work.” The job often looks too big and overwhelming for one to do.
We are not fighting alone. Join the fight! Email your congressman and comment on the Citizen’s petition. Ask your friends and family to do the same. Join the Bear Pack and help others continue the work. When we all do little things, we can make a difference for generations to come.
Emily Frye is a wife, mother of 9, and self-taught homeopathic mama bear. She has studied homeopathy and taught homeopathy classes for over 13 years.
“The views expressed in “Bear Thoughts” posts are a service provided by guest writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Americans for Homeopathy Choice.”