Dear Women...

And yes, I am directing that to every single woman...

My heart aches for those who struggle with this day. For those who long to be mothers but have never been able to have children for various reasons. For those whose mothers have passed away and really miss them on this day. For those who never had a mother who cared. For those whose children do not honor them.

So, here is what I feel God laying on my heart to say...

I think it is fair to say that stereotypically, and usually in reality, women can be characterized as "nurturers." As women most of us generally "feel" things in a way that is unique to our gender. And many of our "feelings" move us to care for others in unique and beautiful loving, often "nuturing," ways.

So, which women have nurtured and cared for you throughout your lifetime?

Who have your poured your life into?

Who have you cared for?

Many of us have had the privilege of being biological (or even adoptive) mothers, bearing children and caring for them and raising them. What a beautiful (and santifying!) experience this can be.

All of us have had our own biological or adoptive mother. For some this may bring up painful memories. For others sweet thoughts.

And I'd like to push this one step further. As christian women (and men of course) we have all been given the command to love others and to share Jesus with the world. Each time we plant seeds into tender hearts we are nurturing and caring as a spiritual mother. Some people we may only have the privilege of planting a seed or two. Sometimes we are called to water the growing seed. Sometimes we have the amazing privilege of harvesting the seed of the gospel in people's lives, leading them to surrender their lives to the Lord and discipling them. For some we may truly empty ourselves out for the sake of.

I think it is fair to say many many Christian women, though they have no biological children, are spiritual mothers.

My heart spills over with joy and gratitude for each of you who pours out your life for others. Thank you for giving. Thank you for breathing life into other's lives. Thank you for caring and nurturing those around you. Thank you for planting, watering and harvesting the spiritual seed in others lives! Thank you for being YOU!

Taking the well known Proverbs 31 passage, which presents such a challenging example of a wife and mother, let me share this reminder to my sisters in Christ...

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

Let us continue serving the Lord, nurturing tender hearts...

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

I am blown away by the blessing God has bestowed on us to be able to be His instrument, to be used for His glory!