What a weekend! The temperature is predicted to reach 95+ tomorrow. But the important news is that it will be Mother’s Day. A day set aside to give thanks for all the sacrifices mothers have made for their children, and more.

It can also be a complicated day. In the first church I had the privilege of serving, I had a friend and faithful church attendee who had never been a mother. She attended every service but the one on Mother’s Day. I guess she didn’t feel worthy. Even though she contributed to so many people’s lives, young and old, she would not accept the honor of celebrating the positive difference she had made. Along with many other ministers, I began to celebrate all the women in our lives who had helped to make us better people.

Mother’s Day can be a special day of love and memories. It can also be a day of pain and heartache. Maybe all the above rolled into one messy ball of life. Sadly, some mothers left more hurt behind than the good they could have given. It may be difficult for some people to celebrate the relationship they had with their mothers. I know it is easy for me to say, but I hope and pray that it can become a time of healing and possibly forgiveness.

We also know of the loss of a mother. It is a pain that never goes away. The day can be especially hard for mothers who have lost a child. Your wound is one that I cannot pretend to touch. I pray for you, may the day be filled with the memories of joy and life. For I am convinced along with the Apostle Paul that the love of God in Christ for you cannot be broken. I believe that the same power of love, given freely by God, binds us all and transcends death.

The love that is planted on earth brings a bountiful harvest for all time and beyond time. Along with my own beautiful mother, and wife, I celebrate all the women who have given much to me to make me who I am and who I can be.

Join us tomorrow at church or on Facebook Live as we celebrate God and give thanks to all of the women who have touched our lives and made a difference.

May the Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

Pastor Rick