Sunday, May 11, 2008

white roses

Today is Mother's Day. On this weekend, our church shows love to the congregation by offering white roses to those who find Mother's Day to be painful for one reason or another. Maybe because of infertility, maybe because a mother has died, maybe because a child has been lost. After the service, it seemed every other person was carrying a white rose. I approached a new friend who is seventy-something. "Happy Mother's Day," I said and noticing her white rose, "I also see that there is sadness this day, too." She told me that she had full-term twin daughters who lived only one day (forty years ago, or so). Our eyes reddened and filled with tears. "I still cry," she said.

I had another friend say, "At my old church, they handed out flowers to all the moms. If I had to come this morning to see all the ones with babies on their hips and flowers in their hands, I couldn't handle it." (Oh, Praise God we don't just honor the ones who have children at our church!)

Oh, dear ones. Today, I am overwhelmed with the longing hearts of my friends. So many of you have lost children that you loved so well. Some of you are waiting, waiting, waiting for adoptions. Some of you are waiting, waiting, waiting for a pregnancy. Some of you are grieving, grieving, grieving your missing children. And, some of you are doing all three. I love you today especially.

8 comments:

.kp. said...

how incredible! what an incredible way to reach out. amazing! i am really moved by this.

Anonymous said...

thank you, jenna. this was sweet for my soul. thanks for having such empathy for all the women who find mother's day a struggle.

tiffany said...

I linked you to my entry. I hope that's okay. Thanks for sharing, friend.

Kelly said...

Thank you Jenna for your tender words. I LOVE what your church does and will pass it on to our church. For many years I too struggled with Mother's Day and understand how hard it can be. You are a blessing!
Love,
Kelly

Our Family said...

Jenna, your ability to empathize with those who are suffering is a gift that few have, to look outside yourself and feel the hurt of someone else. You are a blessing and example. THANK YOU.

Jenny said...

You are amazing and I love you.

Ramona Wicht said...

Right on. I love that idea, and I appreciate your tender heart. The world needs more Jennas (for many reasons)!

Jenna said...

Well, Ramona, I take that to mean you'd like to name a little girl "jenna". I would be honored. I'm teasing. Love you all so much! I miss you Covenant peeps!!!!