Mothers’ Day for Non-Mothers and Others 

In my first pastoral ministry, I led an Adult Bible Fellowship called Homebuilders. It was a Sunday School class consisting of newly married couples through the first decade or so of marriage. The class included over 100 couples. 

I learned very early on to be sensitive regarding how the class celebrated Mother’s Day and honored Moms. 

And here’s why: a percentage of the married women (and men) in the class would have loved to have had children but were unable to. And other of the women (and men) had experienced the death of children. 

Now, add to that ministry in the average congregation (not just a Sunday School class of married couples), and you find additional issues. What of women who would like to be married mothers, but are single? What of women and men who have lost their mothers? For them Mother’s Day can be a very emotional day. What of men and women who grew up with difficult relationships with their Mothers and now have strained relationships? 

I understand that some may be thinking, “Well, that doesn’t mean that you can’ celebrate Mom’s and honor them on Mothers’ Day!” Or, “That is soooo oversensitive and politically correct!” 

I don’t think consideration for people who struggle on Mothers’ Day is being oversensitive. And I’m not saying that churches should cease honoring Moms. 

I’m simply taking a few words after Mothers’ Day 2013 to remind pastors that when Fathers’ Day 2013, or Mothers’ Day 2014 rolls around, to consider all members of your congregation. 

Yes, we can honor Mothers. And, at the same time, a few carefully chosen, sensitive words can go a long way. 

“Today, as we honor Mothers on Mothers’ Day, we also want to recognize that this can be a difficult day for others. Some may have lost their Mom’s and today can include grief and sadness. Some may have lost children or be unable to have children and today can include grief and sadness. Some may have strained relationships with their Moms. So, today we both honor and celebrate Moms on Mothers’ Day while we also pray for healing and hope for all those who may find today to be a difficult day….” 

Join the Conversation 

How does your church balance honoring Moms on Mothers’ Day with sensitivity for those for whom Mothers’ Day may be a day of grieving and sadness?

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