Dear pastors,
Thanks for all you do to shepherd our churches. We know it's not easy work, and we're grateful for the sacrifices you make to love and serve us.
With Mother's Day coming, we want to share something you might not realize. Mother's Day Sunday is wonderful and important ... and incredibly painful. As women who longed to have children but struggled to get pregnant, sitting through these services was agonizing as we fought back tears watching all the moms stand and receive applause.
We know you don't mean to hurt us. And we don't want you to stop honoring these amazing women in our churches. All we ask is that you also acknowledge your sisters in Christ who are mourning amid the celebration.
Women facing infertility.
Women who lost babies to miscarriage or stillbirth.
Women who lost children later in life.
Birthmothers who placed their babies for adoption.
Women who lost their moms.
Single women who long for marriage and children.
The list goes on and on.
Because Mother's Day looks different this year, here's an idea for your online service:
Buy or print a picture of a red carnation. In flower symbolism, the red carnation means "my heart aches for you." Display this flower and mention its meaning. Share how Mother's Day is for rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep.
You can't know every woman's struggle. But you can see us as God sees us: Precious in His sight, whether or not we mark Mother's Day by crying, or smiling, or both. We're grateful for you taking the time to See your sisters on Mother’s day.
With love, Kelley (Founder) + Jenn (Content Director) with Waiting in Hope Ministries
