When Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her she would be the mother of the Messiah, it’s easy to imagine her shock and amazement. What’s harder to imagine is how she actually accomplished it – carrying Christ with the fear of being found out, raising Him to adulthood, and the constant worry of protecting Him and teaching Him so He could become what she knew He was ordained to be – a Savior for the world.
Mary is an amazing example for mothers everywhere – and for those of us who aren’t mothers as well. She shows us all how to sacrifice for God, how to do our best when we know we aren’t worthy or qualified, and how to stand strong in the face of fear.
But honestly, a lot of mothers are like Mary.
I’ve known so many mothers – including my own – who exhibit these same qualities. Who sacrifice for their children, even when it isn’t easy, even when the sacrifice is overwhelming or permanent.
Mothers who love God. Mothers who teach their children to love God. And mothers who set the example of love and obedience to God when others in their family struggle.
Mothers who accept and embrace motherhood in whatever way they can. This looks different for everyone, but every mother who recognizes motherhood for the privilege and responsibility it is and works to be the best mother they can be in their circumstances embodies God’s angels on earth.
Mothers understand Christ.
I’m not a mother. And I don’t understand how mothers do everything they do. Motherhood is a stunning exhibit of God’s love for us, and I firmly believe that no one can understand God’s love for His children quite as well as a mother can.
And I also believe that mothers have a special understanding of Christ’s atonement, suffering, and death. His sacrifice was monumental and incomparable, but the sacrifices mothers make for their children help them to understand why Christ made the sacrifice He did.
I may not be a mother, but I do feel that I’ve learned a lot about Christ, His atonement, and His love from my own mother. Her willingness to serve and sacrifice for my whole family is a powerful example to me.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there! You are so loved and appreciated. Thank you for the examples you set and the service you give every single day. Christ truly works through you in powerful and beautiful ways.
Seeking Christ 
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