My Mom passed away almost 12 years ago of cancer. And I still very much miss her. Often I wish I could ask her questions, especially about what it was like raising me—particularly when I was going through the fun teen years! I don’t know, I guess it’s because my wife and I have three teenagers.

When my Mom became pregnant with me, she was single, alone, and without much by way of resources. Given her precarious circumstances she could have made a very different decision, rather than carry me to term. But she didn’t. It never occurred to her. For that I will be forever grateful, as will my family!

Not all women can get pregnant and not all who do are ready for the responsibility. There are also Moms who have lost children. We should be sensitive about and have compassion for those who find Mother’s Day difficult and discouraging.

Are we as Christians, as followers of Jesus, the author of life, prepared to come alongside those women who find themselves dealing with an unexpected pregnancy? To help them know they’re not alone, that there is support available, and to provide that help at our own expense for their sake and for the sake of the life they carry in their womb?

One of my favourite passages of Scripture is Psalm 139. Here is a portion that speaks to the value of unborn life and how it is God and not us who has the decisive say in how we ought to treat that life, which is precious in his sight.

For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made.

Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.

My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.

Psalm 139:13-16

To all those out there who are mothers in all kinds of situations: Happy Mother’s Day to you and may the Lord bless you, keep you, and lead you.