In one month, we will celebrate Mother’s Day. While this is a joyful holiday given in tribute to those who gave us life, it can be painful for others:

• Those dear women who struggle with infertility. My friend Sandi wrote a wonderful book called The Infertility Companion that can offer practical and spiritual help in this area.
• Those whose mothers or children have died. A good book about suffering may help: When God Weeps by Joni Eareckson Tada addresses the issues of human suffering and grief.
• Those plagued by guilt in parenting. Check out Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel.
• Those who have sick children or mothers. I wish my friend Jeanne’s book, currently titled Parting the Waters, was out. Go here to read an excerpt.
• Those who have relational difficulties with mothers or children. A potentially life-changing book that addresses this is Changes that Heal by Henry Cloud.

Would you be willing to look upon “the least of these” next month? To consider those who struggle with Mother’s Day with a card of encouragement? The same could be said for Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Instead of worrying about getting recognized, make it a new tradition to recognize the hurting.

And, if you know a mother looking for encouragement, why not give her the gift of literature–your favorite novel, a humorous book of essays, her favorite author’s latest piece. Here are some suggestions:

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. An amazingly written book about feminine community.

The Mother Load by Mary Byers. Moms who dare to take care of themselves take better care of their children.

Celebrate the Rain: Cooking with the Fresh and Abundant Flavors of the Pacific Northwest by the Junior League of Seattle. This is one of the best new cookbooks on my shelf, with easy but delicious recipes. It makes me miss home!

Tiger Lillie by Lisa Samson. A beautifully written novel about relationships.

The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. Anyone needing to understand the astounding grace of God should read this book.

Any cookbook by the Barefoot Contessa. I love ALL her cookbooks. Every recipe I’ve tried has been well-consumed and easy to prepare. Her casual approach to entertaining is refreshing and realistic.

If you know a mom looking for a deeper walk with Jesus, but whose shoes stick to the kool-aid laden floor, Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God may just be the gift for her. Part Oswald Chambers meets busy housewife, this book reassures moms that they are not alone and that an extraordinary God offers strength and joy.

On this upcoming holiday and during the everydayness of life, may we understand fully this extraordinary God who sees those who mourn, laugh, weep and smile. May we understand that God loves us all with a fierce sort of mother love. Jesus said, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling” (Matthew 23:37). Beyond celebrating mothers next month, let’s be chicks, gathered under the protective and soft wing of God, rejoicing in His sure protection.