To our church families: You might not realize that Mother's Day Sunday is the hardest church service for us to attend. We love moms and want to honor them. But the very nature of the holiday reminds us of what we don't have. And sitting through a service that elevates motherhood to the neglect of those who aren't mothers is hard to bear.
We want to share some suggestions for how you can BOTH honor moms AND show love to those who are hurting:
👉Acknowledge the co-mingling of joy and sorrow on Mother’s Day. Put a note in the bulletin or display a sign/PowerPoint slide stating how you as a church body see and care for those of us who are suffering infertility, miscarriage, child loss, loss of a mom, or other grief.
👉During announcements, as you thank moms for their love and commitment, broaden the scope to all women who “mother” others by nurturing their faith, training them in righteousness, caring for their needs, providing wisdom from above, and demonstrating fear of the Lord.
👉Pray a blessing on mothers, as well as women who are waiting for children and/or aching for babies they’ve lost. He alone can open wombs and unite families through adoption. Ask Him to bring life into being, and to show moms and not-yet moms alike that our ultimate joy is in Christ.
👉Please DON’T have moms stand for applause; it’s excruciating for us to be left sitting. Instead, display a flower arrangement to show both appreciation for moms and recognition of loss and longing.
Thank you for desiring to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. We're grateful for your kindness and support!
With love, Waiting in Hope Ministries
