Greetings Willowdale Family and Friends,
Once again, we come together this Sabbath to celebrate Mother’s Day, and we give thanks to God for the opportunity to be united. Mother’s Day is a beautiful opportunity to pause and give thanks for one of God’s most precious gifts to the world — mothers. Throughout Scripture and throughout life, we see the powerful influence of a mother’s love. A mother’s heart reflects the nurturing, compassionate, and sacrificial love that God Himself shows toward His children. Scripture gives us the mothers’ names of great spiritual leaders such as Moses, Samuel, Jesus, John the Baptist, and Timothy, undoubtedly because their mothers made significant contributions to their ministries. Jochebed worked with devotion, love, and faith to mold her son’s character. We can be quite certain that it was Jochebed’s early influence that enabled Moses later in life to choose “rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25).
Mothers are often the quiet heroes of our homes and our churches. They pray for their children before the day begins, offer wisdom when life feels confusing, and extend grace when mistakes are made. Their love is patient, enduring, and deeply rooted in faith. Many mothers carry responsibilities that few people fully see — caring, teaching, comforting, guiding, and shaping the lives of the next generation. The Bible reminds us of the powerful influence of a godly mother. The apostle Paul spoke of the sincere faith that lived in Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). Their faith helped shape a young man who would become a faithful servant of God. Mothers continue to play that sacred role today — planting seeds of faith, love, and character in their children’s hearts. A Christian mother is uniquely equipped to instill in her children not only faith in God but also faith in themselves, because she sees in them not only who they are but also what they can become by God’s grace.
To all the mothers in our church family, we say thank you. Thank you for the countless prayers you offer for your families. Thank you for the sacrifices you make, the wisdom you share, and the love you pour into your homes. Your influence reaches far beyond what you may see today. The values you teach, the faith you model, and the love you demonstrate are shaping lives for eternity. Motherhood, however, is not always easy. There are moments of joy, but also moments of exhaustion, worry, and uncertainty. On those difficult days, remember that God sees your labour of love. Scripture assures us that “God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love” (Hebrews 6:10). Every act of kindness, every prayer whispered over a child, and every sacrifice made in love matters in the sight of God.
To mothers who may feel tired or overwhelmed, take courage. God walks beside you in your journey. He strengthens your heart, renews your spirit, and fills your life with His grace. When you feel inadequate, remember that God equips those He calls. Your love, your presence, and your faithfulness are powerful gifts to your children. We also recognize that Mother’s Day can bring mixed emotions for some who have lost mothers, those longing to become mothers, or those who carry difficult memories. As a church family, we hold you in prayer and remind you that God’s love surrounds you.
Today we celebrate mothers not only for what they do, but for who they are — vessels of compassion, strength, and faith. Your love reflects the heart of God, and your influence helps shape the future of our families, our church, and our community. May God continue to bless every mother with strength, joy, and peace. May He fill your homes with His presence and your hearts with His promises.
On behalf of our Pastoral team, we wish every mother a joyful and blessed Mother’s Day.
With appreciation and gratitude,
Happy Mother’s Day!
Dr. Pastor Evadne Henry
Reference
- Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D., former professor of church history and theology at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan.