Happy Mother’s Day

I want to live to see Mother’s Day 2020, so I will not include a picture of my mom! I often joked, “my mom gave me life and she will take it back” when I did things that she found less than humorous! While I know that Mother’s Day can be filled with joy and celebration, it can be a day of loss and heartache. I want to celebrate women today. Whether you are married or single, have children or not, you precious woman, have impacted children and people at large in your sphere of influence.

For those of you who are waiting for God to do a mighty miracle in your family or if you think that restoration and reconciliation is not possible, I assure you that it is. My mom and I are as close as we are today because we are relationship tried by fire. I was horrible to my mom for most (if not all of my childhood). I did not understand why she did the things she did nor did she understand me. My mom walked through hell and back, facing my rejection and scorn.

When I first came to Christ, I was amazed and overwhelmed by mom’s forgiveness, mercy and grace toward me! I confess I can be quick to anger and quick to speak. A few years ago, I went off on my mom because I was frustrated. The look of hurt on her face brings me to tears even as I type this. I have asked God to burn that memory in my mind  because I do not EVER want to cause that look on anyone’s face, especially my mom. I am not a mother and I can honestly say that I do not and cannot understand a mother’s love. Knowing my personality and temperament, I highly doubt I would be as kind and merciful. I love you Mom and I am thankful to call you both “mom and friend!”

My mom’s forgiveness, grace and mercy humbles me that our Heavenly Father has forgiven even more. Precious reader, while I do not know what today looks like for you, what I do know is that you have a heavenly Father who is waiting for you (Luke 15:11-32). While your familial relationships may be difficult and challenging, God has given you family in Christ Jesus. May you celebrate the women in your life. May you reflect on how God has used you for His glory and His Kingdom purposes. As God has worked in me and through me, please know that He will also work in and through you.

Father God, thank You for the women that You have placed in our lives! Lord God, may we reflect on the godly  influence that women have had and are having in our lives. Jesus, thank You for elevating women; thank You for calling us to be Your disciples. Lord, fill this reader with Your grace and mercy. Where there is hurt and loss today, I ask for Your comfort. Lord, I thank You for this precious reader. For the men who read this, may they celebrate all the women in their midst. For the women who read this may they receive Your love and the love and thanksgiving from others. For those whose parents and/or children are no longer with us, may they reflect in a manner that brings them closer to You. Father, for those who are struggling with not being a mother, I ask Lord that You will help their heart. Meet them in their desire and pain. Thank You Lord for the gift of community so that we do not have to go through life alone. Make us sensitive and aware of those around us. Lord God, I humbly ask that You will remind each woman today of her love and worth to You and to me. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.