Many countries celebrate Mother's Day. How? With special advertisements, television programs, news stories, as well as "one time only" sales of everything from diamonds to appliances, and of course the millions of  Hallmark cards projecting the wonders of motherhood and painting a cheery, rosy picture of paradise on earth.

As often occurs with such things, I began to ponder, What is truth?

Too heavy for Mother's Day? I don't want to dampen anyone's celebration, but it's important to step back, see where good intentions take us, and take a different look. We need to be careful not to fall into a trap set by a world that does not believe in God. We must keep the truth before us.

It's easy to get caught up in opinions. By making assumptions, never questioning, and acting on "facts" supplied by others, we can miss a lot. We may not see the world as it really is.  We lose sight of reality, and with it, the truth of things around us.

If we are to be known by anything...especially by those who don't know Christ...it has to be truth. If we don't live, eat, and breathe the truth, how will we recognize it when it comes walking down the road, speaks to our hearts, or dies on a cross? How do we keep from treating the Good News as though it's simply a "feel good" commercial in our lives?

Back to Mother's Day. There are, indeed, many mothers who are true saints. They sacrifice for their children, encourage their families, and strengthen their homes. They are loving teachers, examples, and guides who have led those around them to find eternal life with a heavenly Father.

Sadly, there are those of another kind. They look out for themselves. They abuse their children. Many lean on alcohol, drugs, and power. Some are models of crime and hate. There are mothers who have always been there, and those who have never been anywhere. Life is not a Hallmark card.

I don't know what kind of mother you had or have. I've been blessed with a wonderful mother, a great mother-in-law, and a loving wife who is an incredible mother and example to our children. Now our daughter has become an awesome mother herself. I celebrate and praise God for them.

Yet many have not been so blessed. Their lives have not followed the same path. Memories and reality are painful. They have an emptiness many cannot understand. But this I know.

Regardless of the mother you've had, the life you've led, or the past you carry, you were born into this world. And now...today...we have the blessing of you! You are precious and a great encouragement to us. That's the truth! To borrow from Paul...

Every time we think of you, we thank God. We pray for you with a heart full of joy because you are our partner in reaching out and encouraging others with the love of Christ. And I am certain of this-God began this good work in you and will continue to move through you to love and comfort His children.