Prevailing Purpose

As I considered if and what I should write about Mother’s Day, I began by considering my own journey into motherhood. It is an unconventional story that includes foster care, adoption, infertility, and many plot twists woven into an almost three-year tale. On that journey, I experienced three separate Mother’s Days that ranged from uncertain yet hopeful to painful and weary to uncertain and, simply put, weird.

While some of you might be able to relate to my story, many of you would not. Rather than talk about my experience, I would prefer to offer words of encouragement as you walk through your own difficulties.

You have a unique story, perspective, and relationship to the holiday, and although I do not know your story, what I do know is that a unique experience can also be a very painful and lonely one. And whether because of infertility, death, loss, lack, strained relationships, technicalities, or abandonment, Mother’s Day can be a day that leaves you hurt, confused, and isolated.

Though you and I have different experiences, they are not uncommon (1Corinthians 10:13). And having closed this chapter of my story, this is what I hope to encourage you with today:

Your questions, your heartache, and your loneliness are valid. The anger, the sorrow, the devastation, and the confusion you feel does not mean that you are weak or lacking in faith.

While you may not feel seen or understood by those around you, you have never for a moment been overlooked (Psalm 23:4). God is a good, gracious, and kind Father who sees and knows (Genesis 16:3; Psalm 145:8-9).

He is not repulsed by your hurt, but drawn to you in your deepest moments of desperation (Psalm 34:18). God binds up our broken hearts, and keeping every tear shed in a bottle (Psalm 56:8, 147:3).

Jesus understands the agony of suffering and intercedes on your behalf (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 4:15-16). The Spirit interpreting the groanings of your heart, and providing help and strength in your greatest time of need (John 14:26; Romans 8:26-28).

You are not a burden or an awkward situation whispered about behind closed doors. You are valued, loved, cherished, seen, and heard by the God who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think (Jeremiah 31:3; Zephaniah 3:17; Ephesians 3:20-21).

Whatever you are facing, you have never been and will never be alone.

Let’s keep in touch! Join my monthly newsletter for recent posts, recommendations, and more here, or find me on Instagram.

If you are walking through a difficult season and can benefit from biblical counseling, schedule a session with myself or another qualified counselor today.