Mother’s Day is a day we honor the women in our lives that have given us life and nurtured us. Presents are given, cute children’s cards are created, and lots of pictures are taken. With the advent of social media, this day is paraded on every social media wall, with pictures depicting happy mom’s brimming with pride…but, what about those who feel that this day just…hurts.
Some of us have lost our mothers and some mothers have lost their children. What happens to the children in foster care, how do they celebrate today? What about the lonely, set aside mothers, whose kids don’t call or visit anymore? What about the mother’s who feel they messed up too badly, whose kids have been taken away, or are being raised by someone else? There are women who will never be biological mothers… For many people, Mother’s Day hurts.
I suggest we all celebrate Mother’s Day with awareness that as we celebrate, many grieve. Some of us have to find time to celebrate and grieve at the same time! If you are one of us who celebrated in grand style, I challenge you to connect with someone who shed tears yesterday. If you shed tears yesterday, I challenge you to connect and celebrate the joys of someone who did not have a reason to cry. The Bible, in the book of Romans 12:15, encourages us to “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”
It’s ok to do both. Yesterday my family celebrated and also made a trip to the cemetery to have a quiet, reflective time. We sent condolences to a family that lost their mother ON Mother’s Day, just yesterday, and heard from another who will travel this week for a mother’s funeral. Another mother we know had a disappointing day and had to put on a brave face for all to see…and a dear family member and great mom spent her day in the hospital, preparing herself for the end of her life. This is real life during a holiday. God promises never to leave us or forsake us, and we can take a page from His Book, and intentionally stand by people who hurt deeply on Mother’s Day.
For your wellbeing,
Sarah
2 Comments
Great that you shared a different perspective. Mother’s Day for me is a reminder of hurt and harm. My mother is still living and this is the 40th year of not having a human relationship with her. I have tried to locate her and my siblings want no part of her. In addition my step mother who filled the gap is no longer living and my saving grace committed suicide 8 years ago. Because of Jesus’s love , grace and mercy I am able to celebrate my living for this day.
Mr. Mazzo, thank you for sharing your thoughts. There’s beauty in being able to experience peace and joy in the midst of painful life experiences. You are right on when you say Jesus’s love, mercy, and grace give us real reason to celebrate.
I pray God continues to bless your journey to wellbeing.
Sarah
Comments are closed for this article!