How to bless struggling mothers this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the outstanding women in our lives who brought us into the world. Eve’s name means “life” in the Bible. Mothers not only literally bring life into the world, but they also nurture their families in countless life-giving ways.

While Mother’s Day should include a bit of spoiling and a great deal of thankfulness, we shouldn’t neglect less-appreciated mothers. Tragically, in our fallen world, parenting doesn’t always happen according to God’s plan. Tragedy, sin, and hurt can threaten the otherwise beautiful relationships between mothers and their children.

For example, “Single motherhood has grown so common in America that today 80 percent of single-parent families are headed by single mothers — nearly a third live in poverty.”

Some women have, traumatically, had an abortion in the past. Others might struggle with disabilities. Some have unexpectedly lost their child.

Regardless, women with complicated motherhoods could use extra encouragement this Sunday.

How to encourage hurting mothers

Jen Forsthoff wrote an article addressing this for Christian Parenting, “Intentionally blessing others this Mother’s Day.” We’ve included the bulk of the piece here.

“Consider someone you might know who needs to be encouraged this Mother’s Day. As Christian moms, we have an opportunity to reach out and show the love and compassion of Jesus. The same love we crave, we can give to others. We can be intentional to bless the moms who may not have the cards and flowers pouring in this Mother’s Day. Or we can write a card to the mother who has experienced a challenging year and could use some extra love. Consider other moms and individuals you can bless this Mother’s Day:

1. The mom raising a child/children on her own
2. The mom battling/has battled personal illness
3. The Christian mom married to an unbeliever and doing the best she can to raise her children to know and love Jesus
4. The mom who may not have biological children but is a spiritual mother to many
5. The mother who may have lost a child
6. The child who may have lost their mother
7. The mom raising a child with a disability
8. The mother who might seem to go unnoticed but is doing a great job raising her children
9. The father who lost his wife, the mother of his children
10. The grandfather who lost his wife, the grandmother of his grandchildren

I guarantee a few faces come to mind as you consider these others in your life. You don’t have to reach out to everyone, but perhaps choose two or three individuals God drops into your heart. Ask him to show you how to encourage them in a meaningful way. It might be a written note or an invitation to enjoy dessert with you and your family. It might be a simple gift or bouquet of flowers just to say you love them. God has a way of highlighting people in our lives he wants to reach through us as willing vessels. No matter what you choose to do, remember Matthew 25:40, which tells us “Whatever we do for the least of these we do unto him. We honor the Lord as we consider and meet the needs of others in our lives. Let God love on someone through your obedience as you follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

“Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

“If you choose to do this, you will discover the beautiful truth found in Proverbs 11:25: “Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” As you love others this Mother’s Day, God will love on you. You will be blessed as you pour out.  So, as you soak in the love poured out on you from your kids and family this Mother’s Day, I pray you discover even more meaningful ways to celebrate. May your Mother’s Day be a day not only for you, but also for the others in your life God wants to bless and refresh.”

Enjoy Mother’s Day if you’re a mom, celebrate your moms if you’re not, and pray for God to put a struggling mother in your heart who would have their day lifted by love and encouragement.

Additional Resources from Christian Parenting:

• Wishing you an Un-Hallmark Mother’s Day
• 5 tips for avoiding Mother’s Day disappointment
• What our kids need most from us