The Pastoral Skill We Must Reclaim

WOMEN

When Mother's Day Feels Like a Minefield
Let's reimagine ways we can honor mothers without wounding others.
LESLIE LEYLAND FIELDS
A week ago, as I anticipated this upcoming Mother's Day, I felt ready to fight for my flower. Each year, I look forward to the carnation and the vague, glowing tribute churches often pay to women who mother. After all, haven't I earned it? After birthing and raising a daughter and (count them) five sons, after 29 years of the daily dying-to-self that defines mothers' lives, I am grateful for any Mother's Day payback — even for the greasy (delicious) donut my church handed out one year. But I am increasingly recognizing the tremendous cost of that flower (or donut). continue reading >>

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