In May 2024, a heartbreaking story made headlines: a woman was arrested after leaving her young child alone in a car for over five hours while she gambled in a casino. When questioned by police, she claimed the child had only been there for a few minutes.
How does that happen? How can a mother forget her child? Cases like this are rare - and they shock us because they go against what we expect from a mother’s love.
But sadly, it’s more common to see the opposite: mothers themselves being forgotten. Taken for granted. Left feeling alone and unappreciated.
Today, I want to share a passage of Scripture to encourage all the mothers in our community:
Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; the Lord has forgotten me.”
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49
God compares his love to that of a mother - but then he goes beyond. Even the most loving mother may falter, but God never will. His love is unshakable, personal, and permanent. The image of being engraved on the palms of his hands is profound - how can he forget you when your name is always before him?
It reminds me of Jesus. His hands were scarred by nails - an eternal mark of his love and commitment to us. Through his sacrifice, we see just how far God is willing to go to prove we are never forgotten.
To all the mothers here today: you may sometimes feel overlooked or unappreciated. But God sees you. God hears you. And God understands what it means to given a lot and be forgotten. So bring your joys and your struggles to him. You are never alone.