There are so many layers to Mother’s Day. For some, it’s a day of breakfast in bed, laughter, and sticky-fingered hugs. But for others, it’s a day wrapped in silence and aching. A woman who once prayed for a baby she never got to hold. A mother with a grave instead of a child to hold. A daughter who never knew the softness of a mother’s embrace. A son who struggles with memories he tries to forget. A woman raising children alone. A mom whose child won’t call this year—not out of forgetfulness, but distance too deep to name.
If that’s you, can I just whisper this truth into the tender parts of your heart? God sees. Not with a passing glance or distant compassion, but with the eyes of a Father who knows every tear, every longing, every ache you carry.
Motherhood can hold both beauty and brokenness.
For the barren woman who sits through a Sunday service with a lump in her throat…
For the single mother who feels like she’s never enough…
For the one whose child has passed away, and this day reopens that wound…
For the daughter or son grieving the absence, loss, or pain of a broken relationship with their mother…
You are not forgotten.
Mother’s Day may not feel like it was made for you. But God’s heart is. His love wraps around every place in your story that feels too raw to speak aloud. And He sees your grief —even when no one else seems to understand it.
So what do we do when Mother’s Day feels more like a reminder of loss than a reason to celebrate?
We bring it to Jesus. Just like Hannah poured out her heart in the temple, we bring our silent prayers and tear-stained hopes before Him. He can hold it all.
And this is where our Corps—our family of faith—can lean in and love well.
How can your Corps Help Hold This Space
- Acknowledge the Different Stories
Not every woman who walks through the door is a mother, and not every mother is walking with joy. When we name the variety of experiences, we affirm the silent stories and give dignity to every heart. - Offer Inclusive Prayers
A prayer that lifts the rejoicing and the grieving, the hopeful and the heartbroken, can become a balm for many. We don’t have to solve every pain—but we can hold it before God together. - Make Gifts Optional
Instead of distributing flowers or gifts to every woman, place them on a table where people can take one as they feel led. This allows for personal choice, without pressure or awkwardness. - Create a Quiet Space for Reflection
A small area or prayer table with Scripture cards can offer a space for prayer and remembrance—for those missing their moms, their children, or the hope of motherhood. - Celebrate Spiritual Motherhood
Many women pour into lives through mentorship, teaching, and loving others in Christ. Honouring this kind of motherhood broadens the celebration to include those who mother with heart, not just biology. - Provide Gentle Testimonies
Share stories of healing, comfort, or even honest struggle that reflect God’s presence through pain. Testimonies can help others feel less alone. - Make Support Ministries Visible
Gently remind the Corps of grief groups, parenting ministries, or prayer teams that are available for care beyond Sunday. - Write Notes of Encouragement
Have your congregation write anonymous notes with Scripture or a kind word, then distribute them to women who need hope. - Offer Pastoral Support Intentionally
Encourage leadership teams to call or visit those who are grieving or facing hardship during this season. - Keep the Message Centered on Hope
Preach Jesus. He is the Healer of the brokenhearted, the Giver of comfort, the One who cares for us perfectly when human relationships fall short.
This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate with those who are rejoicing. But let’s also sit quietly with those who are mourning. Let’s make space for tears and joy, for empty arms and full hearts. Because love looks like presence. And presence is often the best gift we can give.
Prayer
Lord, this day brings joy for some and pain for others. Help us be a church that sees both. Wrap Your arms around the grieving, the longing, the weary, and the rejoicing. Remind us that You are enough, and that Your love is wide enough to hold every story. In Jesus’ name, Amen.