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This week as we look at Mother’s Day we are reminded of the wonderful women that love unconditionally.

However for some, the memories of relationships are hard. Their mothers’ were not Caroline Ingalls, Clair Huxstable, Marion Cunningham, Harriette Winslow, June Cleaver, Mrs. Dumbo or Valka (“How to Train your Dragon”).

The life they have is one of rejection from their mother. We all understand it is not natural for a mother to reject her own children. What a hard holiday Mother’s Day can be for some.

The Bible says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may turn out well for you, and that you may live long on the earth.”(Ephesians 6:1-3) As we grow older we never stop being the children of our parents. We are always their children and they are always our parents. When a mother rejects her child, they begin to grow afar from their natural connection – their mother.

So, how does a Christ follower who has been rejected by their mother honor them when they feel such disconnection?

My Dad had a saying, “If you dig a pit, either get in it or cover it up.”

This is so relevant to the way we handle life situations. We have decisions to make when those hard times come. Do we love as Christ or do we walk away? Do we jump in with all we got and love as Christ would, or do we decide it is just not worth it? I am not condoning abusive behavior and certainly if one is in harm’s way they should be safe. 

However, if a mother is rejecting her child, she is most likely not a Christ follower. If you look at a person with the understanding that they are lost, don’t you think that can change a perspective?

In 1 Peter 4 we find, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” And in Philippians 2, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

As Christ followers we are commissioned to reach the lost and that does not exempt us from our families. The love we have received from God cost much.

If you struggle in this area, be encouraged today that God will help you love even when you are rejected. He was rejected by his own people. He understands.

Trust God and follow Him, you will not be disappointed.

Yvette Perrin is a columnist for The Charlotte Gazette. She can be reached at theword2yvette@gmail.com.