I’m going dark over the weekend. Well, not completely. I’m posting this blog to be the last one until late Sunday/early Monday for obvious reasons. I have a wife who also happens to be a mother (but whose kids are unable to be here this weekend). My sermon Sunday is On Being Extraordinary and focuses on two women- Rahab and Hannah. Rahab- A Life Redeemed. Hannah- A Life Rearranged.
As a pastor I have come to realize how sensitive this day is to many women. I cringe when I think about how calloused I was in my approach to Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day). Leaving out a vital part of the church: women who have been unable to have children or lost them in various ways. That is why I no longer preach about mothers, but instead focus on being a godly woman.
This was brought home to me when Jo showed me this article. Truth hits home!! I hope you will take a few minutes to read it and if necessary share it with others, especially your pastor.
I’ll see all your comments throughout the week and will okay and comment. I just will not be posting a new entry until late Sunday. Have a fantastic weekend. To all my women readers: may your weekend be filled with love from family and friends.
I will be praying for you during my devotionals on Friday morning. I hope you have a super rest of the week. I like your attitude about not making those without feel unimportant or second-rate.
Thanks Daniel. No one should feel second rate or unimportant in my book.
I read the article. I’m thinking yes of course. Then I begin to thinking. Are there really pastors that don’t get it. Why are they pastors? Maybe they should have been firemen.
Unfortunately, yes there are pastors jeff who don’t get it. I’m ashamed to admit I was one of them. In my case, it was just plain ignorance. Nothing malicious just insensitivity to feelings. But there are some who are clueless. About that fireman? Perhaps you are right.
I went to a Church once that pinned a small rose on everyone’s lapel that attended that mothers day. A red one if their mother had died and a white on if still alive. Everyone was included and the kids seemed to like it the most.
Interesting idea. Least they were not singling out those who were mothers and those who weren’t. Everyone has a mother. 🙂
Your sermon sounds wonderful, Bill. And it’s so very nice that you are sensitive to the many emotions that women face on Mother’s Day. I’m so thankful for my two sons, and for my precious mom who is still with me, but I know many women have very conflicted feelings on this day. My prayers are that God will speak something wonderful for them through you on Sunday – (I know He will!!)
GOD BLESS!
Thanks Sharon. Make sure you still are showing your mom tons of love. Mine went to be with Jesus in 2004 so I will show that love to Jo and to many others who are there Sunday. And yes, I do appreciate your prayers for Sunday.
Powerful link up to Amy’s tender words. Thanks to you, Bill. I’m sharing her wisdom on my sidebar.
Blessings …
Thanks Linda. It needs passed on.
Thanks for stopping in and pointing me toward this post, Bill. Some will never understand how hard this and other days are for those that wanted children are. The post really puts it in perspective. The church (many, not all) does a great job in most areas, but the message can sometimes be that a woman’s job is childbearing, and one is left wondering what your worth is if you are unable to do this. I’ve sat through many sermons and wanted to disappear into thin air.
Your post touched me Kim and I just felt the link would fit so well. I hope it helps just one person or pastor. Then it will be worth it. You wrote a brave post as well.
Have a wonderful weekend, Bill. I read the article–so raw and powerful. I’m including in my Friday list of favorites. Such an important reminder. Thank you, sir!
You too Jason. Glad to hear it will be passed on through your blog.
Have a great weekend, Bill, and tell Jo “Happy Mothers’ Day” for me!
Blessings!
You have a great Mother’s Day also Martha. I will tell her.
Great post my friend.. I don’t think my church did anything really special for mothers day last year. sad! – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Kind of late for this year Gingi but why not take the lead for next year? Hope the new baby is doing well and you are recovering.
Hi Bill! I applaud your sensitivity. I did go over and read the open letter to pastors that you provided. I can relate a little to the feelings there.
Today, the deacon said that he really admired mothers who patiently grew a human being for nine months. Hmm. How about me? I have two kids, but they’re adopted. I have had multiple foster children.
Oh well, I don’t take it personally, I really don’t. I understand it’s hard to include all the motherhood permutations. Maybe you are taking the best route of all. Talking about strong women!
Happy Mother’s Day to your wife 🙂
Ceil
I appreciate your heart Ceil but it is that kind of insensitivity which I am talking about. You have my utmost respect. And thanks for the MD wishes to Jo. 🙂
Church today… I thought since our church did a donation to TN Right to Life in honor of Mother’s Day I was going to be able to avoid the hurt. Nope- they still did the stand if you are a mother thing- as I sat there fighting back tears I almost gathered my things and walked out of the door but a gentle nudge held me in place and I stayed. Turns out the message (by one of our youth pastors) was exactly what was needed and had absolutely nothing to do with being a mother and everything to do with making decisions- including those life changing ones like I have coming up- and making sure they are God-honoring. That’s why I went this morning but the only reason I stayed was that hand that kept me in my seat.
I’m glad for that gentle nudge-whether it was God or a friend. Seems like sometimes in our deepest hurt God speaks the loudest. You are making some serious life changes/choices and it sounds like just what you needed to hear.