Bring That Child To Me

As we head into a new month, we generally think about the next special event coming up, which at this time happens to be Mother’s Day. Since this special day is always celebrated on a Sunday, I remember as a young girl, everyone at church would wear a red carnation to honor their Mom. Well, not everyone. There were some who wore a white carnation because their Mom was no longer living. Since at that time of my life, Mother's Day was all about celebrating Mom, I couldn't imagine anything sadder than not having one.
More recently I have become aware of the fact that Mother’s Day can be a painful time for other reasons. One being the fact that there are couples who cannot conceive. I spoke with someone recently who told me that it took them 11 years to get pregnant!
I can only imagine the silent suffering of those who keep hearing of friends getting pregnant while they, themselves, face disappointment month after month.
I'm sure there are more thoughts that could be added, but from these two experiences I see that Mother's Day is not just about celebrating our Moms but it is also about celebrating the gift of being a Mother. For most it is a gift possibly taken for granted. For some a pain that can not be made known by wearing a white carnation.
I was reminded of an old song we heard back in the 1980s, by Steve and Annie Chapman. This couple stands unique in their music in that they talk about every day life and issues such as abortion, marriage, children, getting older, relationships etc. and when I looked them up on the web I found out that they are still on tour, singing and holding marriage seminars. Their 25 (plus) years of ministry together says a lot about who they are and their commitment to the truth of what they write and sing. Their website is http://www.steveandanniechapman.com/ and they were happy to give me permission to share their lyrics.

Bring that Child To Me

Even though you never wanted
The child that grows in you
I know that you must be afraid
Of what you plan to do.
But please before you plan to take
Your child before it’s time
Would you hear what’s on this heart of mine?

I am a barren woman
I cannot have a child
I’ve been a mother only in my dreams
And the child that grows inside of you
Could fill those empty arms
Please give him life
Then bring that child to me.

My husband seems to understand
Though his arms are empty too.
He longs to be a father but there’s little he can do.
There’ll never be a child unwanted
As long as we are here
Your child could have a happy home
And we could dry our tears.

I am a barren woman
I cannot have a child
I’ve been a mother only in my dreams
And the child you plan to throw away
Could fill these empty arms
Please let him live
Then bring that child to me

There’ll never be a child unwanted
As long as we are here
Please give him life
Then bring that child to me.

Steve Chapman, March 1985

I share this song today to remind us to remember those for whom this time is difficult, whether they are missing their mother or whether they are being reminded of empty arms, yet again.