When Mother’s Day Hurts

Every year around this time, the cards start filling the aisles. Social media lights up with throwbacks, brunch plans, and “best mom ever” captions. And for many women, that’s beautiful.

But for others—this week is hard.
Heavy.
Lonely.
Sad.

I know this feeling all too well.

For years, Mother’s Day was one of my favorite weeks—trying to outdo my sisters (yes, we competed to see who could give her the best gift). A card that would make her cry. A moment to say thank you for doing what only she could’ve done—raise me, guide me, love me like only she knew how.

But now… she’s not here.

And no matter how much time passes, no matter how full life looks, there's an ache that shows up like clockwork. Grief doesn’t care what you’ve got going on. It just walks in. No permission. No warning.

And I know I’m not alone in this.

Maybe you’ve lost your mother.
Maybe you lost a child.
Maybe you’re praying for a child.
Maybe your relationship with your mom is distant, complicated, or strained.
Maybe you feel forgotten in a sea of celebration that doesn’t include your kind of story.

But here’s what I know:
God is near to the brokenhearted—even when the world around you is clinking mimosas and posting family photos.

So this week, I want to remind you:
You can hold both.
Grief and gratitude.
Love and longing.

There’s no “right way” to feel.

Take the day how you need to.
Say no to the brunch if it’s too much.
Say yes to the memory if it brings a smile.
Say a prayer for someone else who might be hurting too.

And when Sunday comes, say a prayer for me and my sisters.
We’ll be doing the same for you.