Dear One,
I know the holiday you dread most is upon us. You'd rather it be any other weekend right about now. Your story has been fraught with heartbreak and loss, brokenness and sorrow so overwhelming that few could begin to understand even if they tried.
For sure you won't set foot in a church for all the carnations the ushers are handing out and the hearty 'let's have all the mothers stand' and prayers offered up on behalf of those who have borne children. You'll steer clear of the florist section in the supermarket and quickly bypass the zillion Mother's Day cards that are waiting to be carefully selected on overflowing racks. There'll be no celebratory dinner out for you on this, the busiest restaurant day of the year.
But yes, there will be grief and tears and remembering what was or might have been.
I have no pat answers for you and I won't lob a string of Bible verses and promises your way. I just want you to know that I care deeply. If I could wave a magic wand and change your circumstances, you know I would do it in a flash.
Jesus knows exactly where you're coming from. I believe your sadness and grief brings tears to His eyes. For He has known abandonment, rejection, and death. He gets exactly where you're at.
Speak what's truest about where you're coming from straight to His compassionate heart. He will hold you close and hear you well. And some day He will dry your tears and make you whole again.
I promise He will continue to walk this uneven, rocky path with you. He will never ever leave your side and will carry you when the load seems like it's just too much.
He loves you so.
Linda
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow,
nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away.
- Revelation 21:4 -
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A Thank You Note to Our Spiritual Mothers
Reflections For An Uneasy Mothers Day
Because Mother's Day Isn't Always
What It's Cracked Up To Be
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"Speak what's truest about where you're coming from straight to His compassionate heart."
ReplyDeleteWhatever heartache is uniquely ours, this is the medicine.
Absolutely, Michele ... there is no other way.
DeleteThanks for acknowledging the difficult weekend this is for many of us. Even in the midst of heartache I'm thankful for the children and grandchildren I do have and that Mom is still with us.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes.
Deletexo
She longed to be a mother,
ReplyDeletebut life was so unkind,
and sent her many other
things that she must mind.
A family in disrepair,
husband in disrepute;
it really did not seem quite fair,
but she did not impute
her childlessness as her full worth,
for she knew in her deep heart
that she was loved before her birth
by One who'd never part
from her side through this hard life,
the Christ who walks beside my wife.
Andrew - what a beautiful tribute to your wife!
DeleteAndrew, when you're tender, you're at your best. Please give Barbara a hug from me. She must be quite a woman ...
DeleteI love this touching poem, Andrew. I agree with Linda that when you're tender, you're at your best. :)
DeleteI almost didn't read this post based on the title. Thank you for expressing exactly what I face... Every-Single-Year
ReplyDeleteI hear what you're saying even if I don't know who you are. I'm glad you found something here spoke to your heart, friend ...
DeleteAmen, Linda! Not everyone rejoices in Mothers' Day, and I'm glad you took the time to offer comfort and understanding to those for whom this holiday is difficult.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Yes, we're with each other whether we're rejoicing or experiencing deepest sorrow.
DeleteThank you. I agree. This isn't my favorite weekend either. AT least I can enjoy the spring weather. Thinking positive!!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your honesty, Jean. Trust me, you are not alone, friend ...
DeleteMay springtime give you joy.
Sharing our pain with a few trusted others and our father surely is a step in healing. And for those who listen, may we really hear, see, and affirm and hold their story in tender hands.
ReplyDeleteTheresa, I love how you put it -->'hold their story in tender hands.' There's something so powerfully kind about simply being still and offering that gift of presence.
DeleteLooking back, those occasions when that was offered to me were a true healing balm for my soul.
Thank you, Linda, for your compassionate support of those whose Mother's Day will be difficult. You word it so beautifully. I wish you joy on Mother's Day! Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteBless you, too, Trudy. Your sweet, gentle presence is always a warm blessing to me ...
DeleteYou nailed it, Linda. Mother's Day is a mixed bag for most women; it sure is for me. I am very grateful for my two daughters here, but I miss having my own mother here and I miss my middle daughter in heaven.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of you this weekend, Lisa. A bittersweet one as you miss your daughter even as you're welcoming your grandbaby.
DeleteGod knows, He cares ...
Happy Mother's Day dear Linda. I love your sweet and tender words. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI saw some pretty pictures of your women, Cindy. So blessed to be able to celebrate together, isn't it ...
DeleteThank you Linda, I really needed to hear your words. Thank you for kindly touching my spirit today. Blessings
ReplyDelete~Selah~
Kindness. Yes. A healing touch for us ...
DeleteI have a friend who needs to hear these words right now. Thank you for helping me know what to say, Linda.
ReplyDeletePraying for you as you sit with her, Laurie ...
DeleteI remember the infertility season - and how hard it was. I also remember my aunt who was unable to have children - and am so thankful for the spiritual mother she was. If she'd had her own, we wouldn't have had the relationship we did! Mother's Day is a challenge even for me (with all my post-infertility children) - because mothering is never easy and is not holisticly a Hallmark card life.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right, Maryleigh. Mothering is not a Hallmark card life. I wish someone would create cards that speak truth to what is authentic but do it with kindness and a bit of humor.
DeleteAnd thank you for reminding us that even though the infertility season is over, the memory of it doesn't vanish.
May we be so much more sensitive to the hurt others carry.