By Rev. Dr. Dawn Weaks
Pastor, Connection Christian Church
I wished an acquaintance a Happy Mother’s Day as we chatted. “It won’t be happy this year,” she said. “My mom died last month.” Mother’s Day can be a beautiful time of remembering the precious women in our lives. But for lots of people, Mother’s Day is a tough time. Infertility, the death of a child or a parent, a difficult relationship with your mother, being overwhelmed with the duties of motherhood yourself- for these reasons and more, Mother’s Day might be hard.
It could help to remember that no matter your mothering circumstances, Mother’s Day in its original creation was actually an effort for world peace. Women’s rights activist, Julia Ward Howe, first championed a mother’s day for peace. Mother’s Day’s eventual founder, Anna Jarvis, boycotted Mothers’ Day when it was picked up by card companies as a money-maker. Jarvis thought we should write a hand-written thank you note to our mothers, and then take care of the children in our own community in her honor. These women were prophets cajoling our country not only to appreciate mothers, but to emulate them in caring for all children.
I hope it also helps to remember that you are not alone. Others are ready to support and comfort you, including the God who created you. If your Mother’s Day is a day that is more bittersweet than exactly happy, here are some verses from the Bible that may be a comfort to you or someone you love:
For those grieving their mother’s death: “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you, says the Lord.” -Isaiah 66:13
For those grieving a child’s death: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” -Psalm 34:18
For those caring for their mother in days of dementia: “Even if a mother forgets her child, I will not forget you, my beloved child.” -Isaiah 49:13
For those who didn’t enjoy a healthy mother’s love: “I will heal my people and let them at last enjoy peace and security.” – Jeremiah 33:6
For those wanting and waiting for a child who has yet to come: ”I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
For mothers overwhelmed by the daily work of raising children: “Cast all your worries upon Christ, for he is caring for you.” -1 Peter 5:7
For those celebrating with their families: “Give thanks to God, for God is good. God’s love endures through all generations!” -Psalm 118:1
