By Rev. Dr. Mark David Albertson – For Progressive Preacher
Mother’s Day brings out all the brunches, floral arrangements, and sentimental greeting cards—but for many of us, it also brings up a whirlwind of memories, longings, and mixed emotions. Whether you had a fantastic mom, a complicated one, a chosen one, or became one yourself—this day holds weight.
Let’s start with something we can all agree on: Moms have powers.
Not the “fly-through-the-sky” kind (although some claim they did once beat traffic with nothing but sheer determination and a minivan), but something quieter, stronger. Moms can locate lost shoes with just a glance. They can stop sibling fights with one raised eyebrow. They can pack lunches, referee arguments, fold laundry, and pray for your soul—all before you’ve found your keys.
And yet, this day isn’t always easy.
Some are celebrating. Others are grieving. Some are longing to become moms. Some have loved and lost. Some are still trying to figure out how to forgive. So here at Progressive Preacher, we want to say clearly and tenderly:
👉 Mother’s Day is for anyone who has ever nurtured, loved, mentored, comforted, or carried someone else in prayer.
It’s for those who gave birth.
It’s for those who adopted.
It’s for the aunties, godmothers, mentors, foster moms, grandmas, and “bonus moms.”
It’s for the older woman in church who always had a mint and a kind word.
You are seen.
Faith That Echoes
Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5:
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
No theologian seminary needed. No five-step discipleship program. Just Lois and Eunice—faithful women passing along what they had. That’s the beauty of mothering love: it often operates behind the scenes but leaves eternal echoes.
Think of the power in that. Your love, your prayers, your fierce advocacy—it leaves a legacy.
The Mom Voice (and Other Superpowers)
Let’s not forget some of the divine humor in it all. There’s a thing called the mom voice. It’s not loud—but it is life-altering.
A dad can holler, “Stop that!” from across the house. Crickets.
A mom walks in, looks directly into your soul, and says, “Try me.”
Suddenly, even the houseplants stand at attention.
And then there’s “mom logic,” such as:
- “Put on a sweater—I’m cold.”
- “Don’t use that tone with me!” (What tone?) “You know the tone.”
You don’t learn this kind of wisdom. It descends from heaven.
Beyond Biology
Not everyone has children. Not everyone had a safe mom. But many of us have mothered without the title—by comforting, mentoring, listening, protecting. This is sacred work.
So if you’ve ever packed a lunch, stayed up late in prayer, texted “Are you okay?” at the perfect moment, or offered a shoulder to cry on—you’ve participated in the holy calling of motherhood.
Closing Blessing
To every mother and mothering soul:
Whether you’re rocking a baby at 3 a.m., praying for a child who’s wandering, mentoring a young adult who needs guidance, or carrying someone in your heart you’ve never even met—your love is powerful.
And God sees it.
Today, may you feel celebrated, comforted, and covered in grace.
Happy Mother’s Day—from your Progressive Preacher family.
