Around this time a few years ago, my heart was feeling especially heavy for mothers and daughters. I imagine this was due to my own season of life, when my roles as mother and daughter were intertwined and always seemed to be morphing.

My mom was in the nursing home and I was doing my best to support my dad as he supported her. My girls were in middle school and high school, trying to manage life in their world while also trying to navigate the emotional roller-coaster that comes with watching dear grandparents decline.

This year, my days of actively helping my aging parents are over, but my desire to cheer on moms and daughters remains strong.

This week, especially, I wish I could share a one-size-fit-most prayer or some single bit of encouragement that applies to everyone, but of course, there is no such message. For some, Mother’s Day is perfect bliss all around; for others, it’s a mixed bag of joy and strain; for still others, it’s an occasion best ignored completely.

It would be impossible to list every possible scenario a mother or daughter might find herself in right now, but I can think of a few. And as this Hallmark holiday approaches, I have some thoughts, prayers and scriptures that might be just what you need to hear right now.

• For moms who are anticipating launching a child out of the nest (or have already done so):

It’s bittersweet, isn’t it? But we can be confident of this: that “He who began a good work in [our children] will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

• For moms of littles, mediums, teens and young adults:

We need different kinds of strength during different seasons of parenting, don’t we? Whatever stage we’re in, we can rest in the knowledge that “those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

• For women who long to be mothers:

Above all, remember that your worth is not tied to your ability to reproduce. God knows how you are formed and remembers that you are dust. (Psalm 103:14) Take your troubles to Jesus—He understands how hard it is to submit your will to God’s, and He will see you through, however this chapter of your story ends.

• For working moms who are struggling to keep up with everything:

When you feel like you “just can’t,” do the next right thing. You’re not doing this alone; your “help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)

• For daughters caring for mothers, and mothers caring for adult daughters:

It may not seem like it at times, but you “can do all things through Him who strengthens [you].” (Philippians 4:13) One day a time, right? (And dear sister, if this is where you find yourself, you have my deepest admiration.)

• For daughters far from mothers, geographically or emotionally:

May the Lord keep watch between you and your mom when you are out of each other’s sight. (Genesis 31:49)

• For moms who can only observe from afar:

What else can you do? “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)

• For daughters who are losing moms:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4).

• For daughters who have lost mothers:

The Man of Sorrows knows your grief well, my friend. Lean into Him; He alone is the One who “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

• For mothers of prodigals:

This, too, your heavenly Father understands. “You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book.” (Psalm 56:8, MSG)

• For the single moms who are feeling the weight of their responsibilities even more now than they usually do:

Whenever you need wisdom—in any moment—go to God. He gives it generously and will never scold or criticize you for seeking this kind of help. (James 1:5)

• For moms with daughters who are hard to love:

“Above all, keep your love for one another at full strength, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

• For daughters with difficult moms:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

• For moms who are worried about their kids (of any age):

Don’t try to carry it all yourself. “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)

• For mothers who are in a great place with their kids: 

Especially now, we don’t know what tomorrow holds. But today? “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

• For daughters who are in a great place with their moms:

All I can say is this: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)

If you know of a mom or daughter who would be comforted or helped by this post, would you take a moment to share it with her this week? And if you find yourself in a season that was not covered here, please share it in the comments so we can encourage you too.

♥ Lois