How Moms Reflect God’s Tender Love in Every Season

Have you ever watched a mom at the park?
She’s scanning the playground, checking the snacks, wiping sticky hands, and somehow still managing to offer smiles and encouragement. It's like she has eyes on every sheep in her flock.

Today, in church, Father Emmanuel preached about Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and how mothers play the same role. During the sermon, I thought of my own mother (now deceased) and how she reflected the heart of the Good Shepherd to myself and others.

This is my personal view—if you're walking through something deeper or need help navigating motherhood or your relationship with your mom, I always recommend talking with a trusted counselor or pastor.

In this post, I'll share Father Emmanuel's 3 simple ways mothers reflect the Good Shepherd’s care—by tending, feeding, and protecting. Whether you’re a mama yourself or simply celebrating one, may this remind you of just how sacred that role truly is.

Scripture Anchor

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11 (KJV)

This verse reminds us that true love is sacrificial, attentive, and always present. Just like the Good Shepherd, moms give so much of themselves to care for their little ones—and they do it daily without expecting applause.

1. She Tends to Each Need with Care

The Good Shepherd notices every limp, every ache, every wandering. And mothers do the same—seeing what others might miss.

One mom I know kept a "boo-boo basket" not just for scrapes but for sad hearts, too. She had tissues, stickers, and a little notebook in which to write prayers. Every little need mattered.

As a child of a Caribbean mother, I can tell you—tending didn't always look soft. My mom believed in the Bible verse, "Spare the rod, spoil the child." Although we did not get a spanking often (I only remember 3 times), when we did, it came with the words: "This pains me more than it does you." Really? Father Emmanuel spoke of the Shepherd's staff, just like her belt, that directs, rescues, and guides the sheep.

My mom also had a look that could silence a room and stop us in our tracks. But even in her sternest moments, I knew she cared deeply. Her care came wrapped in strength, prayer, and a determination to raise children who honored God and others. She wanted to raise good citizens for the world.

Looking back, I can see it wasn't about punishment—it was about purpose. She was tending our hearts with structure, truth, and a whole lot of unspoken love.

➔ Remember This:
Tending is not just fixing—it's being present, being gentle, and showing that no need is too small for love.

2. She Feeds Both Body and Soul

Just like the Shepherd brings His sheep to green pastures, moms nourish their little ones with meals, comfort, and truth.

I remember laying at the foot of my mother's bed as we watched TV or as she provided a life lesson.

Even though she worked a 9-5, my mom always had a warm meal ready for us for dinner. She believed that the dinner table was a sacred time, the time when she would learn what was happening in my brother's and my lives. But more than that, she fed my heart—with affirming words, bedtime prayers, and reminders of God’s love.

I remember one Thanksgiving, she arranged for us to cook, feed, and eat with the men and women at a homeless shelter. That morning, we found it strange that we did not wake up to the smell of food cooking in the kitchen.

My mom felt that we were becoming ungrateful and wanted to remind us to take our eyes off of ourselves and put them on others who may not have as much as we had. That we are blessed and must always bless others.

➔ Try This Thought:
Never underestimate how God uses your daily nurturing—even a snack or a kind word can plant seeds of peace.

3. She Protects Like the Shepherd

There's a quiet strength in a mother's watchful care.
She may not carry a staff, but she's always ready to defend, guide, or gently correct when danger sneaks in.

Mothers have a sixth sense when it comes to their children. When I was doing my doctorate, I was driving home late one night from DC to NY, and my car broke down on the NJ Turnpike. A good Samaritan must have called the police because they were on the scene before I called. While I was waiting for the tow truck, my mother was getting dressed because she sensed something had happened to me. Once I called her, she must have driven like a bat out of hell because she was at the hotel parking lot before I had time to stress out more. That is the power of a mother's love.

They say once you have a child, you will never sleep the same again. As I think back, my mother was always on her way to the bathroom when I came home late. I don't think that she slept until we were back in the house. Thank you, Mom. My protectiveness for my daughter started the moment I realized that I was pregnant—from adjusting food choices to taking better care of myself.

➔ Try This Thought:
If you're a mom, know that your boundaries, your vigilance, your fierce love—it all matters. You are a shield for your little flock.

Closing Encouragement

Whether you’re a mom giving it your all, a daughter honoring her roots, or someone grieving the absence of a mother—you are seen.

Motherhood is holy work. It’s messy, marvelous, and deeply meaningful.

Let’s thank the women who tend, feed, and protect like shepherds—and love like Jesus. Their quiet faithfulness changes the world.

➔ Share this with a mom who reminds you of the Good Shepherd. Or tell us: What’s one way your mom (or a mom-figure) tended, fed, or protected you with love?

Ending Blessing

Lord, thank You for mothers who reflect Your love. Strengthen the tired ones, comfort the grieving ones, and help us all to honor the women who shepherd us with Your gentle heart. Amen.

Happy Mother’s Day to every shepherd-hearted woman. You are deeply loved.
☕️🌿💛