When Mother’s Day Hurts

Mother’s Day. The day when Facebook feeds are full of sweet sentiments directed towards mothers. The day when Instagram is flooded with Mother’s Day wishes. The day when text messages are sent in mass proportions honoring mothers. The day when some of us feel the need to hide under a rock.

Jesus knows some of us are struggling. He knows some of us have to keep our struggles around Mother’s Day to ourselves so we don’t taint other people’s joy. Some of us are massively conflicted. Our relationship with our biological mother is at an all time low. She has caused an immense amount of pain in the last few days. This body gave birth to 4 of the most amazing kids we have ever met. We love them, adore them, can’t imagine life without them, and they call someone else mom due to our own mistakes, poor choices, and terrible decisions in the past. Jesus knows we are hurting.

And we know we aren’t alone. Yes, we have Jesus, and we also have kindred spirits in all the mothers and children out there struggling with this day. Today Jesus is with us in our grief and our sorrow. He is with you too, sweet mother, if you are struggling. He’s with you too, sons and daughters, if you are struggling. And we can all be there for each other.

Today is one day out of 365. One day. Maybe it’s a day to unplug. Maybe it’s a day to find community who understands and can support you. Maybe it’s a day where you build new memories (but it is absolutely okay if that’s not possible yet).

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

In our pain, in our fear, in our grief, in our mourning, God is there. Jesus is with us. He mourns with us, he grieves with us and for us, and he aches with us. At no point are we alone.