Mother's Day

For many, Mother’s Day is a day filled with cards and flowers. Moms are given gifts and many are taken out to dinner. It’s a day set aside to show mom a little appreciation for the great things she’s done and sacrifices she has made. But especially today, let’s not forget about the motherless. And the moms whose children are no longer here to give them handmade treasures. Today’s blog is dedicated to the moms and the children for whom Mother’s Day has a different meaning.

The Baptist church has a tradition where women are pinned with carnations on Mother’s Day. A red carnation signifies that mom is still living. A white carnation indicates that mom has passed on. Maybe your church does the same thing. You may even overhear an elder woman of your congregation who has the distinction of wearing a red carnation proudly declare, “Yep, my mother is 92 [or insert incredible age here] and is still with us!” But do not overlook the young woman wearing a white flower pinned to her chest. Maybe the sting of her mother passing is as fresh of the flower she’s wearing.

The pews may be filled with moms whose adult children have decided to join them for service this morning. (These same adult children will be elbowed sharply to stand on their feet for the Visitor’s Welcome, so that mom can beam proudly as they introduce themselves.) But do not ignore the mom who sits alone today, who may even wipe a tear every now and then while the pastor delivers a patent sermon about “a mother’s love.”

We live in a society that’s anything but traditional. More common today than ever before, we have stepfamilies, blended families, extended families, adoptive families and more. We should not take it for granted that our experience with our mother is the same as everyone else’s. One person’s definition of a mom (“the woman who gave birth to me”) may be different from another’s (“the woman who raised me”). And even being a mother has different meanings. One mom may be struggling to make ends meet to feed her children, and another has given her children away to someone who can better provide for them. Both are mothers, regardless of our judgment.

Today, let’s remember that Mother’s Day is truly a celebration of our Father, who has put certain women in our lives to help mold us into the people He wants us to be. But we are not to place the gift of being a mom, or having a mom, above the gift of God. In fact, in Matthew 10:37-38, Jesus reminds us that we are to love Him above all else: “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

And a special word to those who are feeling alone today: God has not left you without hope or comfort (John 14). Just as He has helped you get through each day so far, He is with you—especially today. God has wrapped you in the covering of His love, which you can wear proudly as you go out today. So celebrate with those who celebrate, and love with the Love that your Father has given you. That is the best gift you can give on Mother’s Day and one that will be returned to you in abundance.

Celebrate Mother’s Day through the love of our Father!