May is the month we celebrate blooming flowers, warmer weather, and perhaps, most significantly – mothers. Whether they are biological, adoptive, spiritual, or mother figures in our lives, this is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the profound, often unsung influence of motherhood. For believers, honoring mothers is not just a nice tradition – it reflects the heart of God.
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture highlights the sacred calling of motherhood. God chose a young, humble girl named Mary to carry and care for His Son, Jesus. He honored Sarah with Isaac in her old age. He saw Hagar in the wilderness. He used Jochebed’s faith to preserve the life of Moses. And He knit each of us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).
But let’s be real – motherhood is not always Pinterest-perfect or Instagram-worthy. I’m not a mother, but I have watched my wife as we have worked to raise our two teenage daughters. From what I can tell, it’s emotionally draining, sticky, chaotic, loud, and exhausting. If you’ve ever stepped on a LEGO barefoot at 3am, you’ve tasted the bittersweet glory of motherhood. If you have ever talked with a teenager who is working to process their fast-moving life, you’ve experienced the difficulty of motherhood. As I heard someone say recently, “If you’ve ever cooked dinner by scraping the blackened crust off the chicken nuggets and declaring it char-grilled, you know what it is to be mother.”
There’s a classic story I once heard of a young mother who tried to teach her three-year-old daughter about gratitude before meals. One night at dinner, she asked her to pray. The little girl bowed her head, folded her hands, and earnestly said, “Dear God, thank you for chicken nuggets, ketchup, and that Mommy only yelled a little bit today. Amen.” That’s real-life discipleship – honest, messy, and full of grace. Yet it’s exactly in that kind of everyday chaos that we see God’s character reflected.
God’s Design for Mothers
The Bible holds up motherhood as a high calling. In Proverbs 31, we read of a woman whose strength and dignity are her clothing (v.25), whose wisdom pours from her lips (v.26), and whose children rise up and call her blessed (v.28). While the Proverbs 31 woman can feel intimidating, she’s not meant to be a measuring stick – she’s an encouragement, a snapshot of what godliness can look like in action. Titus 2:4-5 speaks of older women teaching the younger to love their husbands and children, be self-controlled, pure, kind, and workers at home. It’s not about keeping a perfect house – it’s about building a godly home. Mothers are often the first people to teach us about Jesus. Timothy’s faith was shaped by his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois (2 Timothy 1:5). God designed motherhood as one of the most powerful discipleship tools in the world. And for those who aren’t biological mothers? Scripture shows us spiritual motherhood matters deeply. Paul often referred to churches as “his children.” In Romans 16, we even meet a woman named Rufus’ mother – who Paul says was a mother to him, too (Romans 16:13). Women who nurture, encourage, and invest in others are fulfilling a God-given, mothering role.
A Reflection of God’s Heart
God’s love is often described using the language of a mother’s care. In Isaiah 66:13, God says, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” Jesus Himself said in Matthew 23:37 that He longed to gather Jerusalem “as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.” The imagery is tender, fierce, and protective – just like moms. But maybe you’re reading this and Mother’s Day is complicated. Maybe you’ve lost your mom, or long to be one, or your relationship with your mom has been strained. God sees you, too. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” His love is constant and healing.
Three Ways to Honor Mothers This May
- Speak Blessing Out Loud.
Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Don’t just think nice things about your mom or the mother figures in your life – say them. Call, write, or speak a word of gratitude. Let her know what she’s done right.
- Support a Mom Practically.
Whether it’s offering childcare, bringing a meal, or even just sending a coffee gift card – simple acts go a long way. Galatians 6:2 calls us to “bear one another’s burdens.” Help carry the load.
- Pray for the Mothers Around You.
Ask God to strengthen moms who are weary, comfort those who are grieving, and equip those raising the next generation. Pray especially for single moms or those facing hard seasons – they are warriors in disguise.
This May, let’s honor mothers not just with flowers and cards, but with the deep appreciation they deserve. Whether you’re a mom, have a mom, or miss a mom – you are seen by the God who created motherhood as a reflection of His own heart. From all of us at Real Life Church, we love you, Mom. Thank you for all the things you do that no one else sees. Thank you for the way you give of yourself. Thank you for everything.
Happy Mother’s Day!
-submitted by Real Life Church
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