My Prayer for You this Mother’s Day

If I’m being honest, Mother’s Day is not my favorite holiday. For me personally, this day brings with it a bundle of emotions I’d rather sweep under the backdoor rug. Yet year after year, with every Hallmark card, TV commercial, and flowery department store display, I find myself putting on a happy face to mask the not-so-happy feelings that often accompany Mother’s Day for me.  Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of happy feelings too.  I am so grateful for the precious ones in my life who call me “Mom” and am blessed beyond measure to have close relationships with my mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother whose contributions to my life deserve more than just one day a year to be celebrated.  But for the countless women who, like myself, experience both gladness and sadness on Mother’s Day, this message is for you.   

To my single sister waiting patiently for God to send your husband while the years of your fertility draw to an end… God sees you and He cares.

To my married sister, weary and disheartened by the struggles and disappointments of infertility, God sees you and He cares.

To my sister who’s experienced the joy and anticipation of a positive pregnancy test, an ultrasound image, and the sound of your baby’s beating heart, only to have that precious life slip from your body too soon… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister struggling to navigate through the complexities and challenges of step-parenting… God sees you and He cares.

To my senior sister, once excited for your years of retirement, only to now find yourself the primary care-taker of your grandchildren or great-grandchildren… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister abandoned by death, divorce, or separation to care for your children alone… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister who experienced neglect, abandonment, or abuse from the one who gave birth to you, yet failed protect and nurture you… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister who made the difficult decision to give your child up for adoption, and now wonders every day what became of the life you gave birth to… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister who experienced an unplanned pregnancy and now carries the guilt, shame, and scars of abortion… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister who gave birth to a child, but had that child taken away because you were unable to give them the care they needed and deserved… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister dispairing over the poor choices of your wayward adult children… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister estranged from your mother due to unresolved conflict and unforgiveness… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister left only with the memories of a mother who is now deceased… God sees you and He cares. 

To my sister carrying the grief of a relationship with your mother severed by mental illness, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister praying for the safety and release of an incarcerated child… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister who gave birth and affection to a child, only for them to walk away and abandon the bond you once shared… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister struggling to make it through each day on little to no sleep while caring for the countless needs of your young family… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister feeling homesick for a mother or child who lives far away… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister juggling the demands of caring for your children while simultaneously caring for an aging parent… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister worried about the safety of your child defending our country overseas… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister battling post-partum depression… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister who stays awake at night praying that your unsaved or back-slidden child receives Jesus… God sees you and He cares.

To my senior sister who once nurtured and cared for so many, but as your body ages, you now require care from others… God sees you and He cares.

To my sister struggling through the daily challenges of caring for a child with disabilities or a chronic illness… God sees you and He cares.

And to my sister forced to do the thing no mother should ever have to do, bury your child… God sees you and He cares.

My sisters, you are not alone.  God sees your struggle.  He knows your deepest pain, disappointments, shame, and regrets. Regardless of your story, my prayer for you this Mother’s Day is that you would find healing, encouragement, and joy knowing that God…

• collects your tears in his bottle and records each one in his book. (Psalm 56:8)
• holds your hand and helps you during your difficult times. (Isaiah 41:13)
• comforts you like a mother comforts her child. (Isaiah 66:13)
• renews your strength when you wait on Him. (Isaiah 40:31)
• gives you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. (Isaiah 61:3)
• and rewards you in due season (Galatians 6:9).

May this Mother’s Day for you be one of hope, healing, restoration, renewal, and joy.  From my heart to yours, I wish you, my sisters, a very happy Mother’s Day!