Holding Mother’s Day Together

by Pastor Krista Price
Week of May 04, 2026

Mother’s Day is often seen as a simple celebration, a time to honor and thank the women who raised us and shaped our lives. For many, it is filled with joy, family, and gratitude. But for others, the day carries a quieter weight that is not always visible.

As our lives unfold, they do not always follow the paths we once imagined. Some hoped to become mothers but did not. Some have experienced miscarriage, loss, or made difficult decisions during uncertain times. Others feel the absence of a mother they miss deeply or carry complicated relationships that make the day hard. Alongside celebration, there can be grief, and it deserves to be acknowledged.

At the same time, Mother’s Day invites us to broaden how we understand motherhood. It is not only defined by biology, but also by impact. Many women step into roles of care, guidance, and love in ways that shape lives just as powerfully. Mentors, teachers, friends, and spiritual leaders often become the steady presence someone needs, offering encouragement, wisdom, and faith along the way.

My own journey did not include raising children, and that realization came with its own process of acceptance. Over time, I have come to see that nurturing others, walking alongside them in faith, and offering care is also a meaningful calling. There are many ways to live out a life of love and influence.

At Salem this week, we have opportunities to gather and reflect this kind of love in community. Our Mother/Daughter Banquet on Friday offers a space to celebrate relationships across generations, whether biological or chosen. Then on Sunday, our Mother’s Day Celebration will be a time to honor the women who have impacted our lives while also holding space for those who come with heavier hearts.

These moments are not just events on a calendar. They are invitations to show up for one another, to celebrate, to remember, and to support. Whether you come with joy, grief, gratitude, or a mix of all three, there is a place for you.

This Mother’s Day, we are invited to hold both joy and compassion together. We celebrate the women who have given so much, and we remain mindful of those who are hurting. We make space for gratitude while also extending grace to those who carry loss.

To the women who have impacted others through love and faith, thank you. Your presence matters more than you may ever know. And to those who support and walk alongside them, your role is just as important.

As we move through this week, may we remember one another in prayer, offer kindness freely, and recognize that love has room for every story. Amen.