Being a woman who experienced infertility and many Mother’s Days that were more painful than sweet, I have never looked at Mother’s Day the same. Even though the Lord blessed us with the adoption of precious twin daughters six years into our marriage, I still remember watching other moms on that day of the year and wishing I as one of them.
Certainly you need to share the blessings of Mother’s Day with the women in your ministry, your mother, mother-in-law, your friends and your daughters, but be sensitive to those who are experiencing infertility, have suffered a miscarriage, have a prodigal child, are single (but desire to have a child) or have experienced the loss of a child.
Here are a few ideas of what you can do to let women in pain know you care:
- Share a hug of understanding and concern.
- Send a card letting her know you are thinking about her and you know this might be a hard day for her.
- If you see her at church, acknowledge her and let her know you are thinking about her on this day.
- Pray for her and her family members who have been affected by her experience.
- Show her how to invest in the lives of other women as a spiritual mom as she seeks God’s will regarding her own motherhood.
- Offer small groups geared toward helping women dealing with grief, infertility, prodigal children, or other difficult journeys they are experiencing.
Whatever you do, acknowledge their pain and let them know you care about it just like Jesus does.
But certainly continue to bless those who are moms on Mother’s Day, acknowledging the wonderful role and privilege God has called them to.
How can you bless the moms in your church this week, and also care for women who are struggling?
Resources: Women Reaching Women in Crisis (Infertility and Prodigal Children chapters).