You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13 NLT)
God had a wonderful plan for mothers, to carry us in the womb, deliver us into the world and raise us up the best way they knew how. I am grateful to have had an excellent mother but not all of us can share the joy in saying the same. Because we live in a sinful, fallen world, our mothers are not perfect and they sometimes do not make positive decisions in taking care of their children.
My mom set a good example for me. She prayed, talked about the Lord, and everyone knew Jesus was her best friend. Mom was very patient, was a great listener and her love for her husband and her two daughters was always strong and faithful.
Mother’s Day for some can be an uncomfortable, discouraging time. I have friends who did not have nurturing, caring, and loving mothers. There are hurting moms whose adult children do not keep in touch with them at all. Many women face their motherhood as a single parent and live with struggle every day of the year. I have other friends whose mothers passed away at an unexpected time in their lives. Some wives long to become mothers but instead experience a bitter time of infertility and struggle to conceive or adopt.
God desires that we, His children, minister to hurting individuals who do not celebrate the joys of Mother’s Day. I believe that the Lord will rejoice over our ministry to those who hurt on Mother’s Day.
Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. (2 Corinthians 4:1 NIV)
Creative ideas to minister to the hurting on Mother’s Day:
- Send a special card to let someone know you think about them
- Take the person (couple or family) out to lunch or dinner
- Give a gift card
- Bake a treat
- PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!
No one knows but God, how far your love and kindness will go. Maybe a life will change for God’s honor and glory.
Promise: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound…” (Isaiah 61:1)
Partnering with God: Dear Lord Jesus. Speak to my heart and show me who has needs this Mother’s Day. Give me wisdom to do something special to minister to the needs of each person you place on my heart. Make this holiday a time that You will minister through me and speak to each individual for Your honor and glory.
God blessed me with two beautiful children who have become wonderful adults. Sadly, I became a single parent after being divorced. Not the plan I had for my family however, God never left me even with all the mistakes I made. I appreciate this writing on how I can minister to someone that was hurting on Mother’s Day, as well as the days after.
Thank you for sharing your testimony of spiritual growth and victory. Many times, especially at holidays, I tend to focus on the excitement of the special day and leave out of my planning,those who are alone, some who are uncomfortable because of past circumstances, and those who don’t fit into a place of social encouragement. This year, for Mother’s Day, I chose to minister to single parents who are raising their children alone. I also reached out to a few mothers who experience rejection from their families. God blessed me as I cared for these women. Blessings to you.