Single mother of nine gives advice to other mothers

Liza Luke (r) receiving a gift at the Mothers' Recognition Ceremony
Liza Luke (r) receiving a gift at the Mothers’ Recognition Ceremony

“It is very challenging raising nine children.”

This is what single mother, Liza Luke of Mahaut, told  Dominica News Online (DNO) during an interview on Friday.

Luke was among 12 other needy mothers who received special recognition at an annual ceremony organized by the Dominica National Council of Women(DNCW) in collaboration with CariMan (Caribbean Male Action Network) and the Bureau of Gender Affairs.

Luke, who cares for five boys and four girls, the youngest of whom is just one year-old, says she has a difficult task raising her children without a father.

“It is hard, raising them up without a father. Sometimes you have to do everything that a father has to do because it is only one parent,” she stated.

“It is very hard, it is very challenging, but one should have a lot of patience…it takes a lot of time, all of your time,” she stated.

She describes her children as very obedient, pointing out, “They respect me and I respect them,”.

According to her, it is important to pray and put God first.

“I raised them up praying and going to church,” Luke noted. “Put God first and he will do the rest…when I pray to God he always answers my prayers.”

Though raising nine children is a challenging task, Luke says it is still an enjoyable experience.

“It is very enjoyable when all of them are there with you; you have a lot of company and is never bored,” she said.

By being self employed, Luke is able to provide for herself and her children.

“I do farming, I braid hair, I help myself in making natural things like castor oil, coconut oil,” she explained.

Meantime she called on parents to be good role models for children.

“You suppose to have patience and love for them,” she advised. “Always show them the good way of life so that in the end the joy would be for both parents and children.”

Luke thanked the various organizations for recognizing her at the Mothers’ recognition ceremony.

“I am very happy that someone remembers me as a single parent,” the delightful parent said.

She revealed that her plan for Mother’s Day (Sunday May 10) is to spend time with her children and prays for good health.

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55 Comments

  1. May 13, 2015

    @ What–May 11, 2015 “you even call yourself ..4Jesus. and yet you submit a judgmental post? Are you serious? Who are you to judge? One child, nine children is still a sin. Read your bible again from the front to the back and please do not skip any pages!——-

    Firstly, I am “Lizavier4Jesus”, not what you wrote above. Also, are you clear with what you said to me? For you are the one who has judged the lady with your: “One child or nine is still a sin” Where did you read about sin in my comment?

    Secondly, the 16 people who agreed with me is more than conviction from God to me–they are the wise people; no doubt that you are among the 4 foolish people of that thumbs rating

    Thirdly, read the Scripture below then judge yourself. I am sure that if you had seen that one, you would not have written that comment against mine–now think about it!

    “Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. Proverbs 10: 14”

  2. May 12, 2015

    @The faacts

    Sometimes I like your comments, and I would like to follow with you, but too many times they are very rude, and seem with an attitude of anger.

    You tell us that God will do the judging, but your comments here are based on judgments against others–including myself–don’t you know that to declare the word “hypocrite” against someone else is a word of Judgment?

    Apostle Paul speaks of Love at 1st. Corinthians 13, he says: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; Love does not parade him/herself, is not puffed up; does not behave RUDELY, Love does not seek his/her own; Love is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. verses 4-8

    Paul presented Love with the attitude and conducts of a person–that person has to be a God fearing person in Life with Jesus Christ–now judge yourself.

  3. lisad
    May 11, 2015

    You people are so judgemental.. You all talk about having 9 children outside of marriage as if this is the sin. The sin is fornication, not bearing the children. I’m saying this to say that most of you here are committing the same sin yet condemning her for carrying the children. Whether you use contracetive or you abort them, it is the same sin.The only difference is that you may be wiser .

    • wow!
      May 11, 2015

      Who spoke about fornication? You mean she is not a widow? Well dear Lisad, married or not, for any woman or girl to have 9 children to feed, clothe, shelter and educate for the next 18 years can cause her to have a very hard and “needy” life. And even though she would sacrifice the life out of herself, there is no guarantee that the children themselves will be able to dig themselves of out poverty. It is just not a good thing for her…this is her situation and she is doing the best she can but others should not rush to emulate it. Let us ALL help her as far as we can but the situation is not one for young people to want to aspire to. Got it?

  4. May 11, 2015

    Showing kindness to another person and helping somebody who faces a challenge is a decent thing to do. This is especially true if there are children involved.

    Sex outside marriage is a sin the Bible calls “fornication”. It is a violation of the moral code God has given us in the New Testament and it has consequences. :oops: (1 Corinthians 6:9,10.) We do not celebrate fornication. We are all sinners (Romans 3:10,23) and need God’s salvation which is only found in Christ (St. John 14:6) (Acts 4:12). When we believe in Him (Acts 16:30,31) and receive Him as our Personal Savior (St. John 1:11,12) the blood He shed on the cross for every one of us washes our sins away and gives us eternal life. (1 John 1:7) (1 John 5:11-13)

    We invite you to visit our website http://www.livinghopeministries.ca

    Click onto SERMONS. Listen to my sermon THE NEW BIRTH. There is nothing to buy or join. :-D Just an invitation to a better life :!:

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International…

    • The Facts
      May 12, 2015

      I am not endorsing sin of any nature. For those who fall, they are to be helped. Too many of them play God. He knows their lifestyle.
      Some of those who condemn the lady, were themselves born in such a manner. Many are hypocrites. They also lack compassion. They do not know the saying, “There but for the grace of God go I.”
      Some of them have too much mouth, talk and too much to say. They are not smart enough to know that worst could befall them.
      Our Lord Jesus Christ did not say this in vain: “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah say, ‘These people honor Me with their lips but their hearts are far from Me. In vain do they worship Me.'”

  5. Dominique francais
    May 11, 2015

    Tough time no way, the country nice boy, her youngest is 1.

  6. RealTalk
    May 11, 2015

    The only advice she should be giving is to use birth control…..

    • Malpardee
      May 12, 2015

      U are so ignorant.

      • RealTalk
        May 15, 2015

        Brilliant argument right there ^

    • The Facts
      May 12, 2015

      If you are a godly person you should know that this is not acceptable and by no means with God. Restraint is what should be practiced. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Therefore, keep your views to yourself for no doubt, you too are weak of spirit.

      • RealTalk
        May 15, 2015

        “You too are weak of spirit” – I’ve always found the weak people are the ones who choose to debate the issue as opposed to attacking the speaker. So let’s not attack me be attack the issue :)

        Ignoring my own religious beliefs there are no direct sources in the bible opposing birth control and this opposition all stems from tradition. Traditions change over time JUST as the church’s opinions on women’s rights, slavery, etc. have changed over time.

  7. hmmmm ok
    May 11, 2015

    8-O This is 2015 i mean come on ppl,if you wanna recognize someone go for women who had kids n used that to empower them to stop,use contraceptives, stop get married,stop having kids got an education and made something out of themselves…………….you mean to tell me this woman has nine kids,claim to be single with a one yr old and puts god in her non sense?! what example is that? you just have guys riding you unprotected?………..no wander so many girl pregnant in dca with no fathers/rings………….god be with you and hope after reading this article girls take heed NOT TO HAVE UNPROTECTED SEX N END UP WITH 9 DAME KIDS NO DADDY SMH

    • The Facts
      May 12, 2015

      She is not the only single woman who has many children. First of all, DNO did not post much about her life, if she was married and some worthless man left her.
      God does not approve of what she is doing but He loves her just as much as He loves others. He also loves the children. He gave each of them a soul. He does not kill children.
      Since they are born, they are to be loved and taken care of. God expects this. She is doing an excellent job of nurturing them, more than some married people do to their children.
      At least she brought them to birth, giving the world nine children. Some call themselves married, use contraceptives and have only one or two. These are sinful people. Do you not know that they will have to answer to God for that?
      How many kill them in their wombs and prevent their birth by using contraceptives? They are sinful in the sight of God. Therefore, look to yourself for advice.

  8. Youth
    May 11, 2015

    What the other lady in the pic doing, what’s the purpose of you being there. Are you going to assist the lady and her nine children?

    • aa papa
      May 11, 2015

      You fool. Cant u c she handing over the box

    • The Facts
      May 12, 2015

      This is a dumb question. Did you not read the article and why she is present? You really do not have any understanding. Sad for you. If you have nothing constructive to state, you should not have commented. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  9. Smell of Roses
    May 11, 2015

    Child support does not exist in Dominica? Or the father is dead?

  10. Here we go
    May 11, 2015

    This is an embarrassment – there is nothing here to be celebrated – 9 children? I want to know how many baby daddies – this is not something to be broadcast – not a great message to anyone……

    • May 11, 2015

      Fornication (premarital sex) is NOT something we celebrate.

      The Word of God is very clear. “… … … they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21)

      To help an individual in a practical way who has gone astray is one thing. But to give them reason to think their actions have been O.K. is wrong. When you do this you become partaker of their sins. Every effort should be made to help such people see the error of their ways so they will turn their lives around (repent) and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Because if they don’t they will continue to have a hard time in this world. Then they will miss heaven.

      If this offends you I am sorry it offends you. But my job is not to make you happy about your sins. My job is to help you make heaven!

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

    • May 11, 2015

      Fornication (premarital sex) is NOT something we celebrate.

      The Word of God is very clear. “… … … they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21)

      To help an individual in a practical way who has gone astray is one thing. But to give them reason to think their actions have been O.K. is wrong. When you do this you become partaker of their sins. Every effort should be made to help such people see the error of their ways so they will turn their lives around (repent) and receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Because if they don’t they will continue to have a hard time in this world. Then they will miss heaven.

      If this offends you I am sorry it offends you. But my job is not to make you happy about your sins. My job is to help you make heaven!

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

      • The Facts
        May 12, 2015

        Let God be the judge of her life as He will judge each one of us.
        It was not stated that they are celebrating and that it is OK on her part. They preferred not delving into her business and posting it on DNO. I am certain the authorities know more about her.
        She has these children and she is being commended for nurturing them. This is OK. Those in her personal life will offer her advice. She may not listen to them for it is her life.
        The fact is, it is Mother’s Day and she was chosen to receive a gift. God does not object to that. God knows her situation. He is pleased with those who chose her for the Mother’s Day gift.
        Who are those God will bless, these authorities or all the critics on DNO who play God when He knows what their lifestyle is like?
        Some people are in no position to criticize others for God knows what they do. Too many hypocrites around who play mr and mrs goody two-shoes.

    • The Facts
      May 12, 2015

      This is none of your business. Mind your business. Consider how many times you may have fornicated and how many times you used contraceptives. Consider how many children you could have had, a few hundred or more. You did not give this a thought. Well, think of it.

  11. May 11, 2015

    One child without a husband is not the way to go,let alone nine.
    You said teach them the right way…
    Here’s the right way..If you’re good enough so as he could get you pregnant,you should be good enough as well to be his wife…

    • The Facts
      May 12, 2015

      You should know what some men are like. Furthermore, they could marry the woman but separate and divorce her later While with her they could have other women and ill-treat her.
      Some men also refuse to marry while cohabiting with women or simply visiting them. They want their freedom and to have their fun but without responsibilities.
      You act as if you do not know that. What are you a baby or an innocent youth? Stop being a hypocrite.

  12. Ma Moses
    May 11, 2015

    Even Pope Francis, on the papal plane home from his visit to the Philippines in Jan. of this year told the accompanying reporters that whilst ,upholding the church’ teaching banning contraception, Catholics don’t have to breed like rabbits and should practice responsible parenting.

    • The Facts
      May 12, 2015

      The Holy Father, Pope Francis did not mean that they use contraceptives. I would think he meant, practicing restraint.
      Are you aware that the Catholic Church has always taught “the rhythm system”, when the woman is fertile?
      Is it because people are married or not that they can copulate as much as they feel like? If you have food at your home, does it mean you have to keep eating it, all the time? It appears to me some of you do not know a thing about that. Many are ignorant in the faith and in religious instructions. Sad to say some die in religious/spiritual ignorance. Much more could be stated about that. Are you ever in need of them?

  13. wow!
    May 10, 2015

    You seem to be a good parent Liza and clearly want to do your best for your children but the best advice for girls and women is to plan a family carefully and have children only if they can take care of them and are able to give them the individualized attention the children deserve from infancy to adulthood. That approach gives them a better chance of being successful in life instead of struggling all their lives. Nine children are a lot to raise in these times, even with help from a spouse, and God forbids that something were to happen to you where you could no longer work, your children would have a really tough time.

    In these tough economic times, unless women of child bearing age are wealthy homemakers with lots of nannies and help, they should not have more than two children.

    • Compensation DOMLEC?
      May 11, 2015

      We do not know the woman’s story, so don’t be quick to judge. For all we know, the father of the children passed away.

      I pray for you who made this comment and all those who agree with you. Many of us are called to be parents and not “businesswomen” in the light of how this world sees it. Liza is doing a great job, and most of us “businesswomen” who are chasing “the dream” but have children or a child need to learn from her. Spend more time with your kids and stop thinking about what it is the world tells you, you need. Be content with your life, patient with your children, and put God FIRST.

      • RealTalk
        May 11, 2015

        You’d like me to learn from a woman who has 9 children and is considered a ‘needy mother’. Anyone can simply pump on children after all that process is purely biological and quantity does not make your good parent. However being a responsible parent requires you to be able to fend for yourself as well as the children you bring into the world. So no thanks you can keep your prayers because I’m sure God would rather us bring a child into the world when we can feed, clothe, and properly take care of as opposed to ‘going forth and multiplying’ and then turning around and asking for handouts.

      • hmmmm ok
        May 11, 2015

        y@ compensation Domlec? you are right we do not know this woman story, i guess the all children father died over a yr ago…in the same breath you say put god first………….if this woman was putting god first would she have sooooo much kids?! Im sure they would refer to her as widow of nine not single mom of NINE……………..use condoms,stop allowing men to screw u s2s, what moral are you setting for your kids? common domlec dont be stupid

      • wow!
        May 11, 2015

        I think you either did not read my post carefully or missed my point entirely. There was no judgement there…just some really good advice. If you want your children to emulate Liza’s situation, that’s no problem.

      • The Facts
        May 12, 2015

        We must tell it like it is. Too many are hypocrites. Their life is a life of pretense, making others believe they are something when they are not.
        At least she did not go to Planned Parenthood to get contraceptives and also for advice to abort them.
        The thought, “Let us say she is making up for those who do.” Therefore, she should not be frowned on. She is better than they are.
        Those who have one or two may not see them when they grow old, are infirm, suffering and are in need of their help, be it physically, financially or emotionally. Nine children, we can say a few (if not all) will turn back and help her. Let them see about themselves and mind their business.
        It is for this reason Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Judge not that you will not be judged accordingly – twofold.”

    • The Facts
      May 12, 2015

      You are telling this to people who may not have received proper instructions from childhood to adulthood or who misunderstood the teaching of the Church or just followed their own feelings? It is intelligent to always know who you are talking to or referring to. A different manner of approach should be used.

  14. May 10, 2015

    hats off to this young woman and may live long enough to see your children make you proud.

  15. 19794eva
    May 10, 2015

    kudos mom…..happy mothers day…

  16. May 10, 2015

    Liza, I can sympathize with your hardship; but in this age, even if you claim to be managing –I want to believe that you did so by God’s Grace, in Love–I truly believe that having 9 children as single parent, that is a bit too far to go.

    It is good of your advice to single mothers; but I wouldn’t advice them to have 9 children to raise on their own–one, two, or even three, could be a mistake; but when it boils down to four and more, we as women should know that we have gone overboard or crossed the line.

    With so many children to a mother, without the help of the father or fathers, that is the place in society where poverty is born–no doubt in our Dominica.

    It is past time that we, women learn how to decide what we want in Life–pertaining to intimate relationship–not what the men wants us to do–as I said already, one, two, or three children by myself, is already a grave mistake, after that , without marriage I am saying NO!

    • What?
      May 11, 2015

      Who are you to judge? If she had committed 8 abortions, would you be satisfied? The fact is she is having unprotected sex and she has not met one serious man. She is not a hypocrite. She keeps trying. She may be looking for love in all the wrong places and God has given her nine children so she can have some love. If it was not the father’s plan, it would not have happened. So many times I read your posts about Jesus, you even call yourself ..4Jesus. and yet you submit a judgmental post? Are you serious? Who are you to judge? One child, nine children is still a sin. Read your bible again from the front to the back and please do not skip any pages!

  17. Seriously?
    May 10, 2015

    Nine children without a father? Really, this is 2015!

  18. The Facts
    May 10, 2015

    It is no easy task nurturing nine children. It takes a lot of patience. She appears to be doing well. Some people with one or two children can hardly manage as she does. Going to church and praying surely helps. God hears your prayers. He sees your effort and raising your children. He gives you the strength. He is ever so pleased that you are bringing them up as best as you can.
    You are an ambitious. strong lady, a caring mother who assists yourself, doing some things for your children’s livelihood. You are to be commended.
    I know some Lukes at Mahaut. The Lukes are one family; all related. As I recall, those I know (some departed) are very nice, humble people.
    We do not have to be rich to be happy. Whatever our state in life, we can be happy. We know that everything is temporary. We simply make the most of life and of what we have as we give due homage and praise to God.
    A Happy Mother’s Day! God bless you and your children!

  19. george Fontaine
    May 10, 2015

    How did this intelligent lady end up having 9 kids and raising them with no father in 2015? What happened after the second, third or even the fourth?
    A “good” dictatorship is recommended in such a country.

  20. BLOOD
    May 10, 2015

    who ask you to make 9 children? somebody asked you to make all these children?????????????

    • May 11, 2015

      THE FATHERS :-| :lol: :-|

    • Malpardee
      May 12, 2015

      I hope u make 12 with your negativity.

    • The Facts
      May 12, 2015

      Some people must be careful with their words. While they criticize, God knows what they have done and continue to do.
      I suppose you are residing on another planet, in outer space.
      You think she made them by herself?
      We are to give godly advice to people; not judge them.
      God knows under what circumstances she got those children. I would not criticize her.
      If some of you can help her, do so. It would please the Lord. Criticisms, when people are sinful will not please Him.
      All have fallen short of God’s glory, some worst than her. Therefore, hold your words.
      Would love to tell you more.

  21. aa papa
    May 10, 2015

    How did she become single? Did the father of her Kids die?

  22. Anonymous
    May 10, 2015

    Looks like fathers have truly become superfluous.

  23. for de people
    May 10, 2015

    thank you! and keep up your good work! :!: :wink: :wink:

  24. The Hand
    May 10, 2015

    of 9?
    only advise i want from you is what condom NOT to buy

    • The Facts
      May 12, 2015

      Keep buying condoms to suppress having babies and copulating as much as you wish. Do you think you are better than her?
      Do you know you stand a good chance of going to Hell by using condoms to have frequent sex? It is the same as murder – killing children in the womb or killing them for that matter.
      Did you not know that people go to Hell for sins of the flesh?
      Some of you who give advice are bad eggs. You hypocrite! Repent! Make penance and restitution to God.

      • The Hand
        May 15, 2015

        So wait, If i have sex with condoms that is murder and if you have sex around the woman’s cycle to not get her pregnant or when you have sex it (excuse my language) “runs out” or she doesnt get pregnant…that is murder too right?

  25. D/can
    May 10, 2015

    It is very challenging, but your youngest is 1 year? Well obviously it is not as challenging as you let on. Be fruitful and multiply more.

  26. classical 4
    May 10, 2015

    first advice is…dont b a single mother of nine….the rest is history…

    • The Facts
      May 12, 2015

      So you do not know people in Dominica who had as many or more children and never got married? Or are you pretending?

    • The Facts
      May 12, 2015

      Ever consider blaming the men? :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted:

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