A Mother's Steps: Sacrifice, Prayer, and an Unwavering Spirit

Lubuk Pakam, Deli Serdang—(20/02/25) Under the scorching sun, a middle-aged mother was seen struggling to carry a pile of bread and cakes she was selling. Her calloused fingers tightly gripped the plastic bags, her steps faltered with exhaustion, and her sweat poured relentlessly—yet none of this dampened her determination to keep going. Witnessing her resilience, Jesica Thamrin felt compelled to approach her. With deep empathy, she decided to buy all the woman's goods. Instantly, the mother's face lit up, tears of gratitude streaming down her cheeks. "Oh Allah, is this a dream, dear?" she whispered, looking at Jestham with overwhelming emotion.

The Hardships of a Street-Selling Cake Mom

The mother then shared the hardships of her life. As the family's sole breadwinner, she had to support her elementary school-aged child while also shouldering the debts left by her husband’s failed business. "I have to stay strong. Even when I'm exhausted, I believe Allah will never abandon those who strive," she said, her voice trembling. Every day, she walked tirelessly, selling homemade bread despite frequent rejections. Yet, she never lost hope. "If I don’t receive sustenance in one place, perhaps Allah has prepared it elsewhere," she added with a serene smile.

Jestham and her team then counted the total goods—97 pieces of cake worth Rp242,500. But she gave more than the amount due. "This is a blessing for you, Mother. Use it for your household needs," Jestham said as she slipped in extra money. The mother trembled as she accepted it, her tears breaking free as she embraced Jestham tightly, conveying unspoken gratitude. Behind the blessing she received, her thoughts immediately turned to her child, who desperately needed a new school uniform.

Jestham explained that this was part of their movement to support small businesses. "We want to encourage fighters like you, Mother," she said. Together with her team, Jesica Thamrin often travels around seeking out small-scale vendors to assist, embodying their commitment to social care.

Before parting ways, Jestham left her with words of encouragement: "Keep fighting, Mother. Prayer and faith are your strength." The mother nodded, her eyes shimmering with emotion. Behind her smile, there may have been unspoken weariness, but her love for her family outweighed it all. May every drop of her sweat and every prayer be repaid manifold by Him. To all the struggling mothers out there—your sacrifices are priceless, and your spirit is an inspiration. Keep moving forward, for beyond every hardship, Allah has surely prepared ease.