The first picture is Reverend Kevin with his Mom, Pat.

The second one is a few of our incredible volunteers. On the left is Cathy; in the middle is her husband, Fred; and on the right is Terry. These moms work hard not only at home with their families, but also several days a week at our pantry. They help put “family” into our weekly food giveaway.

The third photo is of me on the left, my Mom Kathryn in the center, and my sister Brenda on the right. My Mom went home to be with the Lord several years ago, but June 9, 2026, will be one year since God called my sister home.

Mother’s Day. It’s one of the busiest holidays for flowers, chocolates, and other gifts, as well as for restaurants, for a good reason. We appreciate our mothers. Unfortunately, there are some family relationships that only God can heal, but we want to respect them for the awesome responsibility they have of helping to nurture and raise children to know the Lord, and when they become the age of accountability, to choose to repent of their sin and trust Jesus as their Lord and Master. Joshua 24:15 (b).

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He saith unto his mother, ‘Woman, behold thy son!’  Then saith He to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour, that disciple took her unto his own home.” John 19: 25 (AKJV).

I can’t imagine the crushed, broken heart of Mary watching the horrific brutality of the Romans as they tortured and killed her son, Jesus. I’m sure many of her tears were directed to their Heavenly Father as she cried silent gasps of “why?”

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18 (NIV). God alone held her. He gathered all her tears and quietly reassured her that He loved her and that within a few days, her mourning would turn to joy. John 16:16-24 (NIV/NLT)

If your mother is still living, go visit her or call her if in-person visiting isn’t possible. Tell her you love her and that you appreciate everything she does for her family. If your mother is with the Lord, look at old photos and remember the times of celebration you had. When I think of those I love who have gone to Heaven, I ask the Lord to give that person a big hug for me and remind them that I love them.