The Dark Side of Mother's Day

In churches all over America tomorrow morning, a moment will be taken to honor all the mothers in the congregation. That is certainly a good thing, something to be encouraged. However, pastors and church leaders, let's also remember and publicly acknowledge the darker side of Mother's Day.

1. Some people in your audience tomorrow will be mourning the loss of their mothers, and in some cases the loss may be fresh, raw and extremely painful. We need to acknowledge the pain of those who may be in mourning.

2. There may be some in your congregation who did not have good mothers. Due to alcoholism or drug addiction, or their own history of abuse, some women aren't good mothers, and in turn hurt, neglect and abuse their own children. We need to acknowledge the pain of those present in church tomorrow who hurt from abuse, neglect or abandonment from their mothers. They need to be helped to walk through grief, anger and forgiveness.

3. It is possible that there are women in your audience who are suffering from infertility; desperately wishing to be mothers but unable to conceive. Mothers Day can be painful for them, and for their husbands. Don't forget them tomorrow. A public compassionate word of encouragement and support may mean all the world to them.

Let's all praise and honor our mothers, and the mothers of our children. But let's not forget those who hurt on Mother's Day.

See also: When Mother's Day is Hard

Remember Those Who Hurt on Mother's Day

Today is "Mother's Day" in the USA. I will be honoring my mother (mother of three), my wife (mother of two) and my daughter (mother of one). However, Mother's Day is also a good time to remember those for whom Mother's Day is not always a pleasant event.

• Remember those who have lost their mothers, especially those whose loss is recent.
• Remember those who want to be mothers so much, but have been unable to conceive.
• Remember the mothers who have lost children and continue to grieve.
• Remember those whose mothers were abusive, controlling or distant, and for whom this day brings some bad memories.

May the grace of the Lord be with all who celebrate today, as well as with those who mourn and grieve.

This is also a good day to remember the One who has promised "...as one who his mother comforts, so will I comfort you." (Isaiah 66:13)

Happy Mothers Day to All The Moms!

Mother's Day

In the USA we are celebrating Mother's Day Today.

Here's wishing a blessed day to all the mothers among my readers. Which reminds me, I need to call my Mom!