Hope And Encouragement For Those Grieving This Mother’s Day

In May, we honor moms! For some of us, this will be a special day. But for others, Mother’s Day will be a very difficult day.

For those who have lost their mom.  For those who long to be a mom and that dream has not happened yet. For those who have lost a child.

I want to encourage you and offer you hope by sharing some things that helped me during my grief.

1. Give yourself lots of grace. Remember that you are dearly loved!

2. Ask God for strength and energy to get through the day.  Invite friends to pray for you too.

3. Surround yourself with people who care and can empathize with you. This could be your family, friends, or your small group at church.

4. Be honest with how you are feeling and let others know what you need.  Journal how you are feeling if that helps!

5. Talk about the loved one you are missing.  Let yourself cry if needed; I remember shedding lots of tears.

6. Don’t put any expectations on yourself to do the same traditions you have done in the past if it is too much for you.

7. Guard your heart by taking a social media break.  Social Media makes you think that everyone has it all together, and you are the only one whose heart is shattered.

8. Fill your mind with truth by listening to worship music or reading a helpful book.

9. Please don’t rush your grief.  Don’t worry about anyone else’s expectations.  You set your pace for the day.

10. And most importantly, remember that “It is okay not to be okay.” Once again, give yourself lots of grace!

I am truly so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you and praying for you as God helps you get through this hard day. Sending you a big hug!

Love, Jodi

Note: I also have special episodes on the Depth Podcast for you. I know for some of us, our mothering journey has had it challenges- either getting pregnant, keeping the pregnancy, or struggles after, so I love to give voice to these difficult times. These episodes are filled with honesty and vulnerability as well as practical advice and tips of how we can come alongside and help another mom walking down the same hard road. Check out the following episodes on the Depth Podcasts:

• Episode 31 (Infertility)
• Episode 32 (Adoption)
• Episode 33 (Foster to Adopt)
• Episode 34 (Step-mom & Special Aunt Role)
• Episode 81 (Infertility- special episode with Holley Gerth)
• Episode 82 (loss of a child, foster to adopt)
• Episode 83 (Mothering a Child with Down-Syndrome)
• Episode 84 (Motherhood Miracle)
• Episode 130 (Infertility & Miscarriage)
• Episode 131 (Infant Loss & Step-mom)
• Episode 132 (Mothering a Child with Autism and Foster to Adopt)
• Episode 133 (International Adoption)
• Episode 134 (Mothering a Child with a Disability).
• Episode 175 (Infertility & Miscarriage)
• Episode 176 (Mothering a Child with a rare genetic disorder)

Hope these episodes will encourage you that you are not alone on your mothering journey!

Lastly, in 2020, Saddleback Church hosted a gathering for grieving women a couple nights before Mother’s Day called the Bella Donne, which means beautiful women in Italian. Click here to listen. I pray this encourages you especially if your heart is hurting this Mother’s Day.