Mother's Day May Not Be Merry

Tonight, I have such a heavy heart for those who struggle every year on Mother's Day.  My own hatred for the day, began seven years ago.  That same hatred doesn't exist anymore, but my heart grieves for those who want to be called "mommy" and may never hear those words.  My heart grieves for those who have lost a child and for those who are missing their moms.  I've been there.  Sitting in the pew, trying to choke back the tears, while all of the mothers are honored and given their token church gift, while I left empty-handed.  Do I think it's wrong or a sin to honor mothers on Mother's Day?  That's not what I am saying, but I do know that it is a very hard day for many, and we should reach out to those we know are hurting.  Below is a letter that Greg and I had read to our church family seven years ago on Mother's Day.  This was my first Mother's Day of several, where I just could not sit in a church pew.  

May 14, 2006

Dear FBC Family,

 Let us first say Happy Mother’s Day to all of you here today who have been mothers for many years or only a few short weeks or months.  Without question, Godly moms are a blessing from above.  Our hope is that this is a most special day for you. 

The reason for this brief announcement is to make our church family aware of a valley that Jaime and I have been walking through for the past 5-6 weeks.  As many of you know, we are now more than 21 weeks into our pregnancy.  However, at the regular 16 week appointment, the OB/GYN, Dr. Lori Smith, and her staff noticed an irregularity with our baby via ultrasound.  This finding mandated referral to UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) and their specialty division of obstetrics and gynecology.  After two subsequent meetings with the Chief of Staff for Obstetrics and Prenatal Development, a tragic conclusion was reached. 

Two lethal anomalies, hydrocephalus (water covering the brain) and kidney malformation were discovered.  These are severe birth defects that render a child without hope for life as amniotic fluid is not produced by the fetus nor will the fetus have substantial brain or lung development.  With this being said, in a few short weeks, our baby’s physical life could cease.   

As you can imagine, this has been a difficult time for our family…the thoughts that ravage the mind, the sleepless nights, and the countless prayers offered in hope.  Yet, our faith is not shaken.  God is still God.  He’s still on His throne.  Our prayers from the first moment of notification were for God to heal this child completely.  Our prayers are being answered as this precious bundle is receiving the best healing of all.

 May God Bless You Today,

Greg and Jaime Love

Hebrews 12:1-3

 

One of my favorite songs, is "Even If" by Kutless.  It sums up how we felt through our "hurricane" and how we still feel now.  If you are one that is hurting and maybe hating Mother's Day, look for refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is God, He is Good, the Forever Faithful One.