Thursday, May 5, 2016

Why I Don't Attend Church on Mother's Day.

Last year, a couple ladies I know asked me to go to church with them that next Sunday.  I said honestly, "I never go to church on Mother's Day."  Truth is, churches have turned me off to going to any service that entire weekend.

The last time I did attend one, I left in tears.  The priest kept repeating that being a mother is God's highest calling for women.  I have to disagree with that.  It is the highest calling IF you are to have children.  Do you think Mother Theresa missed God's highest calling because she wasn't a mother? I think God's highest calling for us is what He has called us to -- and that might not be motherhood.


I am 42 years old, and I only got married a year ago.  I can't have kids, and spent years taking care of my mother.  I feel that was the right thing for me to do.  It doesn't mean I don't want kids.  In fact, my husband and I really do want children.  We are in the process of applying to foster / adopt.

Which brings me to another question if I were to go to church on Mother's Day.  When mothers are asked to stand, what would I do?  I know my child(ren) are out there and living right now because we want to adopt in an older age range.  Do I get excluded even though I know my children are alive and just not with me currently?

There are so many things that can bring pain and discomfort to women when Mother's Day is overemphasized.  (I'm not saying to not honor mothers, but why not recognize all adult women and honor the mothering and nurturing spirit in them.)  What is a woman to do when her only child had passed away?  When she has had an abortion?  When she is still single?  When she and her husband want children and they are physically incapable of having them?  What about the mother of the son who won't speak to her?  These are issues of compassion, why should these women be excluded when it causes them pain?  Are we not called to love others?

What about the woman who is still single and no kids of her own who is in charge of an amazing children's ministry?  Let's start remembering the barren and thinking of them with the heart of God.  Isaiah 54:1 is an amazing verse to remember it's not really about if you have children or not -- it's how you nurture those around you.





5 comments:

  1. If your going to a church where a priest is saying that then you need to find another church.I used to be a Catholic and the priests are very close minded.I lost respect for a lot of priests many years ago.
    When I asked Jesus to be my Lord & Savior I knew I was where I was supposed to be.I dont go to church because I have chronic pain and Im not able to sit comfortably.I read my Bible daily and I watch the 700 Club everyday.I made the choice to live my life for Christ.
    Im sorry you cant have children.

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    1. Thanks for your comment! :) I think often that people don't think about how all the hype about Mother's Day can affect the childless. In fact, Anna Jarvis who founded mother's day hated what it became and she fought the commercialism of it. I'm not saying it shouldn't be celebrated, but I don't think adult women who have contributed to the lives of others should be excluded. And we will have children, just not biological ones. We'll have ones from our heart. :)

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  2. If your going to a church where a priest is saying that then you need to find another church.I used to be a Catholic and the priests are very close minded.I lost respect for a lot of priests many years ago.
    When I asked Jesus to be my Lord & Savior I knew I was where I was supposed to be.I dont go to church because I have chronic pain and Im not able to sit comfortably.I read my Bible daily and I watch the 700 Club everyday.I made the choice to live my life for Christ.
    Im sorry you cant have children.

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  3. Beautifully written and expressed. I'm sure it will be a blessing to many! :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Melanie. This means a lot! :)

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