"So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy" (John 16:22).
The first Mother's Day after the death of my mother stung like a wasp. After the first sting, radiating pain lingers throughout your body. Seeing people with their mothers pained my soul to the point that I ended up hiding away from the world for multiple years on Mother's Day. I didn't go on social media; I stayed at home and allowed myself time to grieve.
Although I took these helpful steps, I still dread Mother's Day every year. My friends talk about taking their mom out for lunch, shopping, or on a weekend trip. However, when they ask me what I'm doing for Mother's Day, I have to remind them that I am going to visit my mom's grave. One of my friends tried to be uplifting and said, "You can pick out pretty flowers for your mom on Mother's Day." Even though my friend meant well, I saw her statement as insensitive.
Facing Mother's Day when you don't have a mom anymore breaks your heart. Our moms mean so much to us — they are the ones who brought us into this world, raised us, and love us beyond words. Losing your mom cuts deep into the soul. Watching Mother's Day pass every year is a constant reminder that she is gone.
As I traveled to my mom's grave last year, I didn't feel downtrodden. Instead, I felt overwhelmingly empty. Here I was on Mother's Day, standing beside the place where my mom was buried. Her gravestone read, "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come" (Proverbs 31:25).
I read this Bible passage a few times until tears filled my eyes. My mom truly was a Proverbs 31 woman, but I don't think she ever knew it. Something within me sprang into being, and I finally understood Mother's Day: even in the aftermath of your mom's death, you can still celebrate her. No, she is not physically with you, but she is with you in spirit.
Celebrate her memory by making a photo album, telling stories about her life, or spending time at her grave. Include your family members as you are navigating this heavy holiday. With time, you will be able to see Mother's Day in a positive light rather than in a dark, depressing light. Just like my mom, your mom wants you to keep celebrating her on Mother's Day even after she is gone — and she also wants you to keep living your life rather than isolating yourself from the world.
The Bible tells us, "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy" (John 16:22). After our mom passes away, it can be hard to find joy in anything, not just Mother's Day. For many of us, this can lead to feelings of deep sorrow, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. God doesn't want us to entertain these thoughts; instead, He wants us to remember the truth that we will see our loved ones again.
Although we will have to experience the rest of our lives without our mom, we will see them again. On this day, no one will take away our joy. As Jesus tells His disciples in John 16:22, now is your time of grief, but joy will be restored to your life. Jesus was destined to die; however, He was resurrected and brought salvation to all who would place faith in Him (John 3:16-17).
It is because of Jesus that we will see our mom again in Heaven. Mother's Day may continue to feel heavy on this earth, but trust that brighter days are coming. You will see her again and give her a big hug. Never again will you be separated, for you will have all eternity to look forward to. May we all praise God for His goodness! We never know what amazing things He has in store for us (Ephesians 3:20-21).
"Dear God, Mother's Day feels extremely heavy this year. Living in the aftermath of my mom's death is overwhelming; I want her to be with me. Please bring solace and peace into my soul. Remind me that I will see my mom again in Heaven. All of this is because of Jesus and His great sacrifice. Glory belongs to the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit forever! Amen."
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Evgeniia Siiankovskaia
Related Resource: Managing Anxiety with Christ and Practical Tools
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Originally published Monday, 04 May 2026.
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