Mother’s Day – It’s Complicated

Mother’s Day seems to be one of those Hallmark holidays that can invoke every emotion under the sun. Even though it seems obvious that Mother’s Day would fall under Women’s Ministry, throughout my many years of ministry it is a holiday I have been very sensitive to. I’ve personally experienced all the emotions, depending on the year—heartbreak, unfulfilled dreams, challenges, and immense gratitude and joy.

Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Because each one of us, male and female, is created in His image, we need both men and women to give us a better, fuller understanding of God. Women are made in God’s image to reflect Him in ways that are different than the way men reflect God’s image. Here are some examples from Scripture that show God’s characteristics of love, care, and nurture for us, which are often seen in women.

Luke 13:34 says, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”

Psalm 36:7 says, “How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.”

Isaiah 49:15 says, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.”

These loving, protective, nurturing aspects of God’s character are reflected often in the ways that women care and nurture. However, God’s character is always perfect. Men and women will fall short, but God will never forget us and will love us endlessly.

Mother’s Day can be complicated because we are living in a broken world. Our hearts long for perfect love, for dreams fulfilled, and to love and care for others. God, in His grace and mercy and out of His steadfast love and faithfulness, can mend broken hearts, bring joy out of sadness, and fill places of longing that nothing this side of heaven can satisfy.

Mother’s Day can be complicated because we are living in a broken world.

Our theme in Women’s Ministry this year has been FOCUS. I want to encourage you to focus on truth this Mother’s Day.

• • If this is a year that Mother’s Day is hard…focus on the goodness of God. “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” – Psalm 30:5b
  • If this year, you are mourning a loss…focus on the comfort that only God can give. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
  • If this year, you are a new mom…focus on the gift of life. “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.” – Psalm 139:13-14
  • If this year, your house is noisy and messy and full of kids…focus on the abundance behind the noise and mess. “Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.” – Proverbs 14:4
  • If this year, you have unfulfilled dreams…focus on eternal hope. “Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” – Romans 5:5
  • If this year, you are feeling deep gratitude…focus on giving thanks. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Whatever emotion you are experiencing over Mother’s Day this year, please know that God knows your heart and desires to meet you right where you are and to fill you with His joy! Focus on Him!