Photo and Commentary ©2026 by Darren Milam
Sabbath, May 9, 2026
Where would we be without our mothers?
Let that question sink in.
I can answer it simply: we wouldn’t be here without our mothers. It’s true. Of course, there are many elements involved in our existence, but our moms played a significant—and irreplaceable—part in the process.
Sunday, at least here in the United States, we pause to honor and reflect on our own mothers, the mothers of our children, and the mother‑figures who have shaped who we are today. To set the stage, I want to focus on the first two—my mom and my wife, the mother of my children.
Why flowers for this photo parable? Easy. Both of these incredible women genuinely enjoy flowers. It’s hard to say whether they would choose the lilac (yes, it’s technically a tree) or the tulips as their favorite—but if I had to guess, they’d likely choose both, and have both in their own gardens.
The flowers of the lilac tree are unique and beautiful, with a fragrance that can stop you in your tracks. The tulips are vibrant, colorful, and wonderfully diverse. Though different in form and expression, both are intentional, meaningful, and a reflection of thoughtful design—much like motherhood itself.
God is the creator of all things, and He allows us not only to see beauty in His creation, but also to reflect on the deeper meaning behind it.
Have you ever stopped to think about how mothers are represented in the Bible? Scripture goes beyond simply acknowledging women as mothers and presents them in a very different light than many other ancient records. I won’t turn this into a history lesson, but a brief observation is worth noting.
Outside the Bible, motherhood was often viewed primarily as a biological duty or a means of producing heirs. In contrast, the Bible portrays motherhood as a spiritual calling—one remembered by name, not merely by function. We see mothers in scripture whose faith and obedience changed history and played a vital role in God’s plan. He chose them to be part of His story.
As Jesus walked the earth, showing us how to love and live, He intentionally included mothers in His ministry and in the gospel accounts. He consistently saw mothers not just as caregivers, but as people of faith—women whose love, loss, courage, and perseverance matter deeply in the Kingdom of God.
In my own life, my mother and my wife embody that kind of selfless love. They have both sacrificed an incredible amount for their children. I saw it as a child, and I continue to see it as an adult—constantly placing the needs of their children above their own. That level of commitment and devotion does not go unnoticed. I love them deeply for it, and God does as well.
So Sunday, as we remember, reflect on, and celebrate the women in our lives, may you know this: God loves you. You are seen. You are valued. You are incredibly special—to God’s family, and to your own.