As we approach Mothers Day, we recognize that it can be both a joyful and painful day for many. Whether our own mothers have passed away, or we have lost children, it can make for a complicated celebration.

At Seneca, our vision is to “create a culture of Hope where the beauty of life is celebrated and healing is received.”

We do our best to honor mothers every day at Seneca, celebrating births and grieving death alongside our clients.

Many clients have a history of miscarriage or abortion. We also see our fair share of clients losing children at a very young age.

Recently, one of our clients who saved her twins from abortion almost 2 years ago contacted us. She informed us that her baby daughter, one week shy of her 1st birthday, died of SIDS. She is heartbroken. We just wanted to give her a big hug from her Seneca family. What can one do to ease the pain of a parent's heart when a piece of it is broken?

Jesus knew our brokenness, He knew of our sadness and grief, and yet He commanded us to be strong.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

Despite these words, it can be difficult for moms and dads who lose their children to not feel alone or discouraged. That is why Seneca provides healing for those who experienced miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth, or infant loss.

This year, our healing team felt inspired to offer a unique way for our clients to process their loss and connect with others who understand:

Seneca’s First Annual Bereaved Mothers’ Day Event!

Our Miscarriage Ministry Team member, Kathleen, designed, organized and helped to present this special day for clients. She partnered with Alyssa, artist and owner of First Love Art (and a previous Seneca volunteer), to lead the mamas in painting a sunflower in honor of their beloved children who are in Heaven. Whether the child was lost to abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS or in any other way, this event allowed women to tell their stories and to make a painting in memory of their precious children.

The grief process is a journey; one best experienced alongside our Seneca Sisters. Even after 20 years, a Mom who attended the event was able to process the loss of her child. The day was healing and restorative in many ways. The Prince of Peace was present in the room.

If you would like to talk to someone in person about your precious child and are in need of healing, please contact us at support@senecacfl.org or 706-992-6700.

National resources include (please make these links)

Miscarriage: miscarriagehurts.com

Abortion: supportafterabortion.com

SIDS: firstcandle.org

Infant death due to a disorder: www.marchofdimes.com

Death of a child at any age: Bereaved Parents of the USA

If in crisis or need to talk 800-273-8255

Jesus came not only as the Prince of Peace but as the mighty Healer. If this Mother’s Day is a complicated or painful one for you, allow God to hold you in the palm of his hand.

First Fruits Friday - A Bereaved Mother’s Day