By Steve McRee
“I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” — Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)
One of the things we constantly remind our ladies here at Shepherd’s Gate is that our identity is not based on our present circumstances or even our shortcomings. When we surrender to Christ, our identity becomes rooted in Him. Who we used to be is no longer the end of the story — it’s about who we are becoming.
For some of our mothers, Mother’s Day is a tremendous celebration of how far they and their children have come. Maybe they’ve escaped domestic violence and are now building a safe and healthy future with their children. Maybe they’ve reconnected after being separated and are healing the bond between mother and child. Maybe they are simply reveling in the stability and rest that comes from having a safe place to sleep each night.
But for other moms here at Shepherd’s Gate, Mother’s Day is a somewhat painful reminder of past mistakes or goals they haven’t met yet. We have women who are still working to be reunited with their children. We have women with grown children — and these women are trying to find forgiveness and reconciliation after years of absence or addiction.
Simply put, it can be a challenging day. But we believe in a God who isn’t afraid of the impossible!
We remind all the women here that God is not finished working His miracles yet. Although He may not work as quickly as we would like Him to, God has a plan. Our task as His beloved children is to lean on Him and keep pressing forward in God’s strength toward the things He has asked us to do.
We know God will help our women complete the race He has called them to — just as He will be faithful to all of us. Please keep our ladies in your prayers this Mother’s Day —and may you enjoy the day with your own families and loved ones!