A Tribute to Mom

Mother's Day is such an emotional day for so many of us. I grew up in a church that recognized mothers for being the youngest mother, the oldest mother, and the mother with the most children. Year after year, my mother won the recognition of having the most children present. How did she birth twelve children, experience the wound of losing a child as a baby, and then go on to raise eleven of us? She is quite the mother and though she wasn't perfect and often missed the mark, she was amazing.

I reflect now and come to understand she raised what God gave her in the best way she could. She endured great suffering as a wife and mother - yet persevered. She raised eight boisterous and somehow kept them in line. She tried to teach three small girls about being a woman.

My husband read a wonderful post from Amy Young regarding mothers. What an emotional and moving letter.

For every woman who is facing a wounded heart – may this letter touch you.

To every mother who has struggled in some fashion – this one might bring you hope.

To those who feel like a failure – may you be encouraged through this letter.

And to those still draped in grief – may you find peace.

We do not celebrate Mother’s Day the same. Perhaps Mother’s Day should be a day for mourning what you’ve lost, yet celebrating what you had. Perhaps it can become a day of remembering the good qualities in your mother, rather than focusing on the bad. Maybe Mother's Day will become a day filled with miracles and forgiveness. Maybe this day should be a day you spend fifteen minutes on the phone with your mother instead of five.

I heard someone once say, "It is what you make of it."

However you spent Mother's Day this year, may next year look and feel different, better, more focused, less stressed, new joy, and a greater love. We all have something to look forward to and to work towards. My mother is now 82 years old. We know we may not have her much longer. Every year matters and every moment counts.


Be blessed today and remember - its never too late to tell your mother how much you love her.