Mother's Day-Honoring untold stories

It's that time of year.

Another delicate topic.... Mother's Day. 

My heart goes out to women everywhere as this time approaches. 
This day brings such mixed emotions for women. 

As a follower of Christ, I've began most Mother's Day mornings gathered with other believers in worship.  Many times, the most peculiar thing happens..... all mothers are asked to stand to be honored, to be blessed.  I've been in many different places on this day, and most of the time this seems to be common practice.  I dread this moment.

This is my job.
Full time.
No pay.

.....and yet,  I loathe this moment terribly.

Sure, I long for acknowledgement of what I do.  Sure, it is a day of honor.  Sure, motherhood is worth celebrating.  But, there is something about the women left sitting that absolutely breaks. my. heart.  And, if you look at some standing, you see it there too. 

Pain.  Silent pain.
Stories mostly untold.

The woman who has been trying to conceive for a long time
The woman silently carrying an unexpected child
The barren woman
The woman forced to give up children
The woman needing brokenness healed between children
The woman with children missing
The post abortive woman
The woman grieving child gone too soon
The woman pondering the life she once carried and gave to another to raise
The woman struggling to raise children alone
The woman whose children have gone astray
The woman who recently miscarried
The woman struggling through infertility


Part of the wonder of motherhood is you never, ever forget a child that was entrusted to you, no matter how long.... even if it was only in a dream.

I'm sorry if this moment hurts you, as it does me.
I can't stop this moment from happening.
But I certainly can encourage you with the Truth.

You see, as a follower of Christ, we ALL have children.  I am the daughter of many women who never chose to carry or raise me.... but they tend to my Spirit regularly.  I have many daughters in Christ.  Some that I've carried within, others that I have not.  All are daughters, all are worthy of honoring, blessing.

So women, followers of Christ, friends.....

....stand up!
 
Embrace that YOU are a mother if you are a woman in Christ.
God has given you sons and daughters in His family.
STAND UP.
Let God begin to fully redeem your past.
Permit yourself to be honored.
Be blessed.
Be healed.

And know..... you are not alone.
If these eyes have seen you.... how much more has the Lord.