Mother's Day is not always a loving day for many people. Matter of fact, it can represent pain, grief, disappointment, and even regret. So if you will lend me your time, I want to address the following situations, because you need to know you are not alone and that God is still with you even if your are standing at the base of your mountain with no idea how to overcome it:
1. To the children whose mother has died: Losing your mother means you are in a unique group in a great way. It is amazing to know that your mother was the only human being that knew you before anyone else in your family laid eyes on you. You may be wondering whose gonna laugh at your dumb jokes like your mother did? Whose gonna stand by you when you make mistakes like your mother did? Whose gonna tell the story of your birth to anyone who would listen like your mother did? Whose gonna cook all your favorite recipes like your mother did? Even though your mother is no longer living on this earth, she will never be forgotten. You may feel motherless, but you are still your mother's son or daughter even though she is no longer here. Never forget that YOU are the living evidence that your mother was here...
2. To the children who may have a fractured relationship with their mother: This is not ever easy. Your mother maybe one phone call away, but the thing that is holding you back from talking with her is that you are mad at her. Your reason maybe super legitimate in your eyes. She may even deserve it; therefore, justifying your anger. The question to ask yourself is this really what you want? What else is holding you back from reaching out to her? See I know you have the answers to these questions, but it is still up to you and no one can force you. One thing is for sure I believe you are capable and strong enough to change this situation by taking the first step even though you don't have too. Can I ask you to show a little forgiveness? Remember forgiveness is for you, because unforgiveness is such a heavy burden. Make that phone call right away...
3. To the mother who has lost her child: How can words describe the pain you feel? How can people who have never experienced this understand what you go through on a daily basis? There isn't one day that goes by that you don't think about your child. Birthdays are hard, the holidays are hard, and especially the day that you lost them comes with piercing pain year after year. See your child still matters not only to you, but especially to God. Your child is never lost, because he or she can be found resting in the arms of Jesus. Remember the time you had with them even if it was for only two minutes, eleven years, thirty years, or even if you knew them only during a pregnancy that didn't end the way you wanted it too. That time will forever remain precious to you, because you got to have them for how ever long it lasted. You need to know that you matter to God. You need to know you are not alone. You need to know there is no pain in heaven when we stand in the presence of God...
4. To the children whose mother is battling a sickness or disease, OR their mother is elderly: First off, I believe and I pray you share this same belief that we maintain hope and declare the word of God over a person's life until they take their last breath no matter what the doctors say. With that said, you are human and you get scared when you think that your mother could lose her battle with this sickness or disease, OR you know that she has gotten older and as much as you don't want it to be true you are seeing a steady decline in her health. Every day you are fighting hard to be your mother's healthcare advocate and to make sure she has everything she needs to be comfortable as she overcomes so many obstacles. Maybe just maybe you feel that this could be your last Mother's Day with your mother alive on this earth. This has to be very difficult to even conceive; however, it is a good idea for you to take the time to say what you want to say to your mother now. As hard as it is to see your mother in this situation, you must recognize that you have the gift of time. If possible, ask your mother what she would like to do for fun and do it. Please continue to have faith in God for your future with your mother, speak life over your mother, and take time to make some amazing memories. Find joy in every moment no matter the outcome..
See I get it. Mother's Day is not always an easy time for everyone. If any of the above applies to you, then your pain is felt by many, and I hope that you find solace in knowing that you matter to God and your mother matters to God. If you have the ability to fix a fractured relationship, then do it with God's help. If your mother has died, remember her with great joy as you are the evidence that she existed. If your child has died, you are and will always be your son's mother or daughter's mother. If your mother is elderly or battling a sickness or disease, tell her what she means to you now. Despite your pain on this Mother's Day, please don't forget that you are here and you can still make a difference in the lives of others. God bless you and your family!
Tracy