Mary’s whole vocation as mother and her seven sorrows reveal how deep and constant is her trust in God’s plan and promise.

My husband and I went to the doctor’s office for an ultrasound test at five months. It was beautiful—like falling in love.

The image of God as mother may sound radical to some, but it’s not new.

But through the women of the Church, Mary issues us a humbling charge: to let our actions reveal that our lives belong not to ourselves, but to God.

She was Lutheran, but I don’t think Grandma would mind that I now see Mary’s light reflected in her. Both trusted in the fruit born by quiet faithfulness.

Surely Mary didn’t struggle with Legos constantly strewn on the living room floor, or a toddler who can’t seem to stay out of the toilet.

When divorce revealed its ugly face to my mother when she was 39, she did her best to accept, without condition, the evolving gift of motherhood and womanhood that this new life could offer.

When faced with suffering I wanted to run away. But not Mom.

I wonder how she felt in the final weeks. Whether she was tired of carrying, exhausted from the extra weight and the swollen ankles and the restless nights and the ceaseless kicks.

I am a mother. Mother’s Day is not supposed to be hard. But the reality? It’s much more complicated.

Personalize and share any of these prayers with a mother in your life.