3 Ways to Support Your Wife This Mother’s Day After Losing a Child
Mother's Day is a day typically filled with love, laughter, and gratitude for mothers across the globe. Yet, for those who have endured the heartbreaking journey of a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, this day can carry a different weight. Men, as partners in both joy and sorrow, you may grapple with finding the right ways to offer solace and support. In the spirit of compassion and understanding, here are three ways husbands can support their wives this Mother's Day:
Acknowledge and Validate with Scripture:
The Bible teaches us in Psalm 34:18, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." When enduring the loss of a child, this scripture serves as a poignant reminder of God's presence during times of sorrow.
Creating a tradition to honor your child's memory can be healing. This could involve a time of prayer, releasing a balloon with a written message, lighting a candle, planting flowers, or giving her a necklace. By doing this, you are acknowledging your wife's motherhood and the life of your child.
Provide Space for Emotions with Compassion:
Grief is a deeply personal journey. Every individual's experience is unique, and there is no 'correct' way to navigate this path. The Bible encourages us to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." (Romans 12:15).
Be patient and understanding with your wife's emotional process. Listen empathetically when she shares her feelings and hold space for her to express her emotions without judgment. If she wants to talk about the child, lend your ear; if she prefers solitude, respect her need for space. Encourage her to lean on her faith, and remind her of Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Support Her:
You don’t have to handle you and your wife’s grief alone. In addition to personal support and faith, professional help can play a crucial role in the healing process. At Foreknown, we can coach you and your spouse to build your faith in this difficult time. Find out more here.
Offer to find suitable support options, and propose attending sessions together if your wife is comfortable. Scripture, too, highlights the importance of seeking help in Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Do not forget to tend to your wife's physical well-being. Encourage rest, prepare nutritious meals, and consider taking on additional household tasks to help ease her day-to-day responsibilities.
In conclusion, we believe that you can find comfort and support in Jesus after losing your child. As a husband, your role isn't to erase the grief but to create a loving, supportive environment where your wife feels seen, heard, and loved. Pray for her and encourage her to seek out Jesus as the ultimate way for her to heal.
Mother's Day after a loss can be challenging, but with understanding, compassion, faith, and support, it can also be a day of shared remembrance, love, and healing. As you both journey through this, lean on your faith and remember that, as written in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles."
Need more support? Here are your next two steps:
Sign up for your 7 Days of Hope Emails so you can start processing your pain. These daily emails will guide you through pain and point you towards a path of hope. After your seven days are over, you’ll get a weekly email designed to help you on your healing journey with encouragement, connection, and helpful scriptures as you heal.
Start the Your Journey to Joy Course. This self-guided course will connect you to Foreknown Co-Founders Alyson and Kelsi as they lead you on a journey through your pain. This content has helped hundreds of women find hope, create a plan, and start a process of healing after pregnancy loss with Jesus.
