13 May Celebrating on Mother’s Day

Today marks my 6th Mother’s Day without being a mother.

Over the past year I have spent day-in and day-out very involved in the fertility community. Much more so than the prior 5 years and because of that, I have gained a deeper understanding of the immense levels of pain women are experiencing. Many of these women have experienced loss and journeyed through very hard things, and their grieving is justified and healthy. However, what I also see is a community that sits in pain, hopelessness and bitterness. It breaks my heart to see, hear or read about.

On a spiritual level over the past 6 years, I feel like I have gained a deeper understanding of truth (scripture, the Bible, the Word). What happens when one knows the truth? Well just as John 8:32 says, it sets them free. The truth will change you. Why? Because Jesus changes everything!

And also on a personal level, life has become more and more difficult over the years. 6 years of infertility, a recent cancer diagnosis for my husband, a nephew who passed away, a father-in-law who passed away and the daily challenges of being in ministry. Nothing about our circumstances are worth celebrating; they aren’t very fun, cheery or full of sunshine and rainbows.

So why I am celebrating this Mother’s Day? I think a better question should be “why wouldn’t I be celebrating?” Every day is worth celebrating! Every day is a gift! And I can celebrate because of the revelation of truth within me. Let me explain:

2 Corinthians 5:7 says “I walk not by what I can hear or see, but by faith” and Hebrews 11:1 says, “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Did you get that? Faith is walking by the unseen. And faith connects you to the promises of God. And when you know what God’s Word says and when you know what his promises are then it doesn’t matter what your circumstances are. It doesn’t matter how long you have been waiting, what the doctors have said, how many negative pregnancy tests you have had or what diagnosis you have received. None of that matters! Let me remind you that nothing in the natural changes what God has already promised through his Word.

I don’t know about you, but I am not going to let a hallmark holiday steal my joy. I’m also not going to let my circumstances, my feelings or my past steal my joy either. My joy is not based on my circumstances or a Hallmark holiday. And when I choose to focus on truth and not my situation, then I can walk in victory, joy and celebration.

I have the privilege of celebrating today because of the finished work of the cross. I have the privilege of celebrating today because I know how the story ends. I have the privilege of celebrating today because I know what God’s Word says. I have the privilege of celebrating today because that is exactly what faith is, celebrating and praising before the miracle comes! 

If you are a mom in the making and are grieving today, let Father comfort you. If you are crying, let Father wipe your tears. If you are sad, let Father be your joy. But, I hope that no matter how you feel you choose to walk by faith, not by sight. You choose to walk by truth, not by your circumstances. Don’t let one day (or any day for that matter) make you bitter and hopeless. It’s time to start celebrating! And when the community as a whole starts celebrating and walking by the Word of God instead of the circumstances in front of them, there won’t be any bitterness or hopeless anymore! Until that day happens? I will continue to spend all my days loving, listening, supporting, encouraging, and most importantly, pointing. Pointing women to Jesus! Because remember, Jesus changes everything!

Happy Mother’s day to all – to those who are already mothers and those who desire to be mothers!

Check out my post from last year on the power of praising your way through barrenness.

PS. If you are going through infertility, please head over to join a faith-based support group I founded, Moms in the Making!

PPS. Have you picked up a copy of my book? Buy In Due Time, a 60-day devotional for hope + encouragement in the waiting.

PPPS. I created a group on facebook as an extension of my book + blog to discuss anything + everything. Women only! Come join us!

{Let’s Connect} Facebook • Instagram • Bloglovin • Pinterest • Google + • Twitter