To the girl who is dreading Mother’s Day…
I see you.
My very first Mother’s Day was spent in silence—with excruciatingly empty arms—only two months after burying my little girl. Since then, I have had 5 miscarriages, two failed adoptions and became widowed from the man who made me a mother. I get it.
Mother’s Day stings.
I don’t hate Mother’s Day. I treasure my mother and I celebrate her. I am overwhelmed with gratefulness at the privilege of being called “Mom” by five amazing humans. I am hugely thankful for my mother-in-law, my sisters and all the beautiful women who have poured into me. For me, the day will probably always be bittersweet.
But for many, the day has yet to be redeemed, and that is not lost on me. I see the empty arms. I see the longing hearts. I see the silent tears. I see the motherless, the childless, the widower, the abused, the abandoned, the neglected, the forsaken, the bereaved. I see grief beyond measure.
I see you.
I also see grace. Grace for every hard moment. Grace for healing and hope. Grace for a future. Because we are seen and loved by One who knows death’s sting. And His grace offers a peace that can surpass understanding.
I know some will struggle with the decision of whether or not to go to church this Sunday morning, because it’s just too painful. Some will spend the day beside a grave or a hospital bed. Some are deeply grieving the loss of a mother, or a child, or the chance to ever be a mother.
For each one, my heart breaks.
And so, I pray. I pray for grace. I pray for peace. I pray for presence. I pray for comfort. I pray for hope. I pray that El Roi will remind you that He is also Immanuel. And I pray that Jehovah Jireh will provide someone “with skin on” to walk beside you, reminding you that you are not alone.
If you’re up for it, consider going to church this Mother’s Day. Let someone embrace you. Let someone cry with you. Let them see your tears. Join with other valley-walkers in grieving for what’s lost, and, together, be comforted by the love of the One who will—one day—make all things whole.
And if you just can’t, there’s grace for that, too.
You are loved.
Thank you. I have problems with Mother’s Day often. Although not as often as I used to. I have never had biological children and my mother has passed away but at church this morning I was reminded that I am and can be a spiritual mom to others. Not just kids, but to my friends or new believers. And so that encouraged me. And may it encourage others who read this comment.
Yes!!! You are so valuable in the family of God! 🩷