Each month we will offer a list of action ideas so you can defend, honor, and celebrate Life in your churches and communities on our Take Action page. This month, we are looking at Mother’s and Father’s Day.
It’s that time of year, isn’t it? Grocery stores, convenience stores, and every store in between are selling bouquets of spring flowers. Commercials are on TV promising that that special father in your life would really love a new tie or drill. And Sunday brunches and dinners are being prepared by children nationwide, to say “thank you” to the women and men who raised us, sacrificed for us, taught us, and loved us. It’s a beautiful thing that we as a society can stop our busy lives to appreciate everything that our mothers and fathers have lovingly given to us.
And yet this isn’t always a joyous season for everyone. In fact, for some people, Mother’s and Father’s Day can be the hardest days of the year. Consider birth mothers and fathers who have placed their children for adoption and, while glad that their children are alive and well, still struggle with complicated feelings of regret. Think about couples who are struggling with infertility and yearn to celebrate a Mother’s and Father’s Day of their own. Death also can wreak havoc on our emotions during these holidays—whether parents have lost children through abortion, miscarriage, or other unexpected reasons, it can make these holidays a day of sorrow. Finally, there are families torn asunder by disagreements, harsh words, or sinful actions, with parents and children estranged from one another, perhaps even permanently so.
We cannot know all the pain and suffering going on in each other’s lives. But take time to think about those who you know may be grieving this Mother’s or Father’s Day. Send a card. Tell them that you love and appreciate them. Honor their lost children. Acknowledge that sometimes parent and child relationships are complicated and painful. Let them know that God hears their pain, loves them so much that He sent His Son to die for them, and will bring them true peace and comfort.
Action Ideas
- Send a card to someone you know who has had an abortion, suffered a miscarriage, or placed a child for adoption. Let them know that you care.
- Invite women or men without family to celebrate Mother’s or Father’s Day with your family.
- Organize the children in your church to make artwork or crafts for childless or grandchild-less members of your congregation
