What to Write in a Mother's Day Card
Like so many holidays, Mother’s Day can often be layered with a wide range of emotions, joys, or struggles from each individual to the next.
For me personally, I ache over the loss of my mom on this day, while also fondly remembering her and what an amazing mom she was. I think more deeply about the babies my husband and I never got to hold, while also delighting in Mother’s Day as my husband and two wonderful boys honor me that weekend. Quite the mix, right?
Because of this wide range of emotions and feelings any single person may feel on this one day, it can easily leave you at a loss for words when writing a card to a someone around this time of year. I pray this list of prompts, scripture, and letter writing templates will help you share the tender love of Christ in any and every situation that may be.
Tips for writing in a Mother’s Day Card
1. Include Scripture:
As always, there are no better words to include in a card than God’s Word! Here are a few to consider including in your Mother’s Day cards. Including scripture can be a great way to open your handwritten message, or as a closing in your card.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
Proverbs 31:25
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:25
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Proverbs 31:29
…a woman who fears the Lord should be praised.
Proverbs 31:30
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28
But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me
2 Corinthians 12:9
“You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”
Genesis 16:13
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
Proverbs 31:10-11
2. Let the sentiment on the card guide what you write inside.
Our Mother’s Day and motherhood collection is the largest collection of cards we have in the shop! There are so many designs to choose from, most with thoughtful and unique sentiments already on the front of the card. Feel free to echo that message inside your card, and let it inspire the rest of what you write. This is an easy way to keep your Mother’s Day card message fresh even if it’s for a mom that you send a card to year after year.
Grabbing our “Motherhood is Kingdom Work” card? Write a message that encourages a mom that all the seemingly mundane work she is doing, the Lord sees as kingdom work.
Grabbing a “mom who wears all the hats” card? Write a message recognizing all the different roles and talents you see in her, and recognizing all her work behind the scenes.
What to Write in a Mother’s Day Card for your Mom
Whom you are close with:
Write about the things you appreciate now, that you didn’t realize or appreciate when you were growing up.
”Mom, thank you so much for tirelessly supporting me and my art dreams throughout the years, in more ways than I could ever realize.”
”Mom, thank you for always putting our family first to help us have the strong bonds and shared faith that we all have today. I know I didn’t always appreciate it growing up, but I see now how your hard work in our lives when we were little has paid off and been so worth it, and I wouldn’t have it any other way…”Thank her for a specific trait she has that not all moms have (creativity, hospitality, humor, cooking/baking, servant heart). Name some examples of how she displays that trait and how it has blessed you throughout the years.
”Mom, I have been so blessed by your creativity in motherhood. You have always made the best of whatever we had, no matter how much or how little, and found a way to bring joy into everything we do. The crafts, baking, and experiments we did as kids, and fun little adventures on road trips, are memories that will stick with me for a lifetime…”Share the traits of hers that you hope to emulate in your own motherhood or adulthood, and that you hope are passed down for generations to come.
What Card to Send:
Who loves the Lord:
Write about ways that she shows you how to be a wife, mother, or woman of God.
”Thank you for always modeling what it looks like to “lead a quiet life and work with your hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11) in such a beautiful and humble way. Your faith always inspires me to keep pursuing the Lord with joy…”Write about how she embodies the fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). Pick 1-2 to focus in on in your message, and how she is a blessing to others because of this.
”Mom, thank you for being a living embodiment of the fruit of the spirit for me and for all who come in contact with you. Your love and joy for the Lord is evident to all, and your peace in the midst of all you have walked through always inspires me to find true peace in the Lord at all times…”Thank her for her faith that now lives on in you!
What Card to Send:
Whom you’re not very close with:
Share a specific noteworthy thing that she did for you/your family this year:
“I’m especially grateful for the times you’ve generously had us over for dinner… for the times you took the kids to the zoo…”Share a favorite childhood memory : “I’ll always remember those times we went dress shopping together before each school dance, and how special you made me feel then…”
Share why you gave her the gift you did: “I hope this notepad makes a cute addition to your home office, and that this heat pad gives you rest & relief when you need it most!”
Simply thank them for being present in your life.
What card to send:
What to Write in a Mother’s Day Card for a Mother Figure
I am all about looking for any excuse to send a meaningful card, and Mother’s Day is a perfect time to recognize any Godly women in your life, a female mentor, women that have stepped in to support you in your own motherhood, or have been there for you after the loss of your mom, or in areas where your mom may have fallen short.
Here are a few ideas to get you started on a card to a mother figure:
Thank them and name some specific examples of how they have been a blessing to you in your life or motherhood.
”On this day of celebrating women and mothers, I wanted to thank you for all the ways you have been a blessing and support to me in my motherhood, and are the best auntie to our boys. From day one you have been there to help me rest when I needed it, encourage me on hard days, and spoil the boys in the best way…”Praise them for being a woman who fears the Lord, and how that has had an effect on your life and motherhood.
”You may not be my mother, but I wanted to still honor you today as I am so grateful for the ways you have been a powerful role model for me to look up and emulate as I grow as a woman of God. Your servant-heart towards everyone at church inspires me to serve with greater joy both at home and in our church community…”Tell them the little ways their advice or mentorship has made an impact on you.
“…Thank you for your wisdom and advice over the years, it has been such a blessing to me in my motherhood. From small pieces of advice on handling all their toys, to the big ones on loving my husband well, I don’t know where I would be without you!”
What to Write in a Mother’s Day Card for your wife
Hey dads: in case you need the reminder, Mother’s Day for your wife is your responsibility. If your kids are too young to write their own card for her, you better make sure to write her one yourself! Even if they are old enough, a handwritten card from you every year, who sees so much more of her efforts than your kids ever will, is certain to mean a great deal.
The good news is, you’ve already come to the right place. We have a very wide selection of Mother’s Day cards for you to find one that’s just right for your wife, and so many beautiful and practical gift options (like our tea towels!) to make her day. If you’re feeling stuck on what to write inside, here are a few ideas to get you going:
If your kids are little, ask your kids their favorite thing about mom, and include their answers in the card!
Think of certain things that you see her do for your kids each day that they likely never notice.
”These kids have no idea how good they have it with a mom like you! They may not see or appreciate all the things you do for them behind the scenes, like making sure they always have clean clothes, their favorite breakfast cereal, get to all their fun activities on time, and pray for them each day. I see some of it, but better yet, the Lord sees it all…”Let her know the impact and blessing her motherhood has on the whole family.
”The way you mother our children with patience and grace blesses our family more than you know. You keep us all on track, this home running smoothly, and do it all with love. I’m so thankful to have you as a partner in this hard & holy work of raising these children!”Remind her that she is doing an amazing job!
Simple statements like “you’re doing an amazing job,” or “you’re such a good mom” can go a long way coming from you!
What Card to Send
What to Write in a Mother’s Day Card to a new mom
It’s so special to celebrate a mom’s first official Mother’s Day after the birth of her first child, especially if it has been a long or hard road to getting there. Here are a few ideas of what to write inside to both celebrate this milestone and encourage her in these early months of motherhood.
Remind her that her work is Kingdom work, even while her child is still a baby.
”Happy first Mother’s Day! I pray this day is extra sweet and full of time to celebrate you. I know these early days of motherhood can feel mundane as it seems you do nothing but feeding, diaper changes, and making sure you and your baby get enough sleep. But each little moment, each diaper changed, each onesie folded, is an offering to God and labor unto Him. He sees it all, and nothing is wasted. Keep going in the hard & holy work of motherhood!”Offer a prayer for her coming year as a Mother.
”I’m praying for you in this coming year of your motherhood that you would continue to grow in confidence as a mother, knowing God has given [him/her] to you with a purpose, and He will supply all you need. May you rest in Him when you need it most, and continue to delight in the gift of motherhood! You are such a good mom.”Remind her of God’s grace.
”I know how hard it can be to adjust to the newborn life, feeling like you’re not able to do nearly as much as you used to, but I pray that you’re able to rest in God’s grace and how He has already “done it all” in your place. Motherhood is the most important work!”Recognize the hardships she’s gone through to get to this milestone, if applicable.
”Friend, God’s blessings on your first “official” Mother’s Day with your sweet little one. I know your road to motherhood has been far longer and more difficult than anyone would have chosen, so I’m praying you’re able to soak up every bit of joy on this day as much as you can, and also know it’s okay for it to still be hard. Praying for you and celebrating you today! You’re doing an amazing job.”What Card to Send:
What to Write in a Mother’s Day Card to a mom friend
I often think there is no better perspective to receive a card from than a fellow mom friend. No one like her quite understands what you’re going through as a mom in this current day and age, and knows first hand the struggles you face in motherhood like she does.
This is a great opportunity to grab a box of 6 cards of our “Hard & Holy Work” card or “Motherhood is Kingdom Work” card to keep on hand to write a little message to each of your mom friends!
Thank them for walking with you in this journey of motherhood.
”I’m so thankful I have you to walk through the joys and struggles of motherhood with, and listen and pray for me along the way. It’s a comfort to know I can always come to you with whatever I’m struggling with and have no fear of judgement. I don’t know what I’d do without you!”Remind them of something special you see in them that they likely don’t see themselves. What is their mom “superpower”?
”I know how easy it is to doubt yourself, but I hope you know what an amazing mom you are to your kids and how blessed they are to have you as a mom! I always admire your joy and strength in motherhood, no matter what life throws your way…”Let her know the ways you have learned from her and how it has carried over to your own motherhood.
”I have always admired the way you speak to your kids with patience and kindness, and incorporate Gospel teaching moments into everything you do, and strive to be like you! You’re an amazing mom!”Remind her of God’s grace.
”Through the ups and downs of this crazy thing called motherhood, I pray you always remember the grace already won for you on the cross. You don’t have to do it all, it’s all already been done.”Little lines of encouragement from a recent Instagram post where we asked our followers to tag a mom friend that they wanted to encourage. These that are perfect for a little inspiration:
You are a great mom! ❤️ I love seeing how intentional you are with your kids.
You’re such an intentional and loving mom. You’re doing a great job! 😍
One of the most loving and incredible moms I know! ❤️
You are killing it in the mom department! I am taking notes.
You are a great mom, even when it is hard!
You are a great mom! I love seeing how creative you are with your kids. ❤️
I love being moms together & raising our kids to love Jesus!
What Card to Send:
What to Write in a Mother’s Day Card for a single mom
This is the first year we introduced a card designed specifically with this in mind. (It could also be used for dads), and pray it can a blessing and a tool to encourage single moms that you know.
I admit I’ve been guilty of using phrases like “single-momming it” when my husband travels, as if a week of being on my own is anything like the day-in and day-out work of an actual single mother. These moms do the work of two parents at all times, and rarely get any recognition for it. I pray these prompts help you to encourage any single mom you know in the hard work she is doing.
Recognize and celebrate how hard she works each and every day, and the mental and emotional load she carries.
”Friend, you deserve all the praise and recognition today and always. I cannot imagine the physical, mental, and emotional toll it must take to keep showing up as the sole parent figure in their lives each and every day. I know it isn’t easy, but you handle it all with such grace, and are an example to us all on what it means to love our kids like Jesus does. Your kids are blessed to have you as a mom.”Encourage her with Scripture.
”When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” Isaiah 43:2
Encourage her that the Lord is with her in it all and sees all her labor, and that you are there for her in the deep waters of motherhood as well.Let her know in what ways you are praying for her.
”I pray you’re able to experience the rest you need today, and are able to find rest for your soul in Him when it feels impossible to come by. I pray you would know the grace God has for you at all times, and find strength in Him always…”
What Card to Send:
What to Write in a Mother’s Day Card for those whom have lost their mom
If you know someone that is walking through their first Mother’s Day without their mom, this would be a perfect time to write them a card and let them know you’re thinking about them in their grief and praying for them. Even if someone you know has lost their mom many years ago, I can assure you it is still such a blessing to reach out and help them feel seen as they still remember their mom that day.
Our Lifting You Up in Prayer Mother’s Day Card and coordinating gift set are a perfect option to send on this occasion.
Let them know how you’re praying for them.
”Friend, I wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you and lifting you up in prayer this [first] Mother’s Day without your mom. I can’t imagine how hard it must be without her here, especially on this day. I pray you’re able to find comfort in Christ’s nearness to you on this day, and grieve fully unto the Lord, no matter what emotions come your way today…”Encourage them to find a way to celebrate their mom that day.
”Although you aren’t able to celebrate with her this Mother’s Day, I pray you’re able to find a way to still celebrate and remember her…”
”How blessed you are to have such an amazing mom to celebate & remember…”
Mention something kind about their mom, or what ways you’re sure their mom would be proud of them.
”I miss your mom’s laugh, and the joy she brought into every room…”
”Though I never knew her well, I’m certain she would be so proud of the strong and loving man/woman you have grown into, and how you have been a light to others grieving…”
What to Write in a Mother’s Day Card for those walking through miscarriage, infant loss, or infertility
Say and use their baby’s name in the card (if applicable). Honoring their baby as a real person with a name, no matter how many weeks they lived inside or outside their mother’s womb, is a gift to that mom.
“Dear friend, I am lifting you up in prayer this Mother’s Day as you remember sweet [baby’s name]. While our hearts break that you don’t get to celebrate this day with [him/her], I am confident that [he/she] is at the Lord’s side, celebrating [his/her] amazing mama today. I’m praying you feel honored today for the amazing and strong mama that you are, and that you feel the freedom to grieve fully unto the Lord today, with whatever emotions may come your way. The Lord is close (though it may not feel so) and He can bear it all…”Honor them as a real mother even if they have yet to hold one of their babies
”Sweet friend, I know it may not feel like a “Happy Mother’s Day,” but I hope you know that today is for you too. I hope you know how blessed your babies are to call you their mom—an amazing mom that prayed for them and loves them so. The same God that is holding them, is holding you today too…”For those walking through infertility, honor how much they have labored already, and remind them that their labor is not in vain
”You have labored, friend, and that labor is not in vain. The Lord sees it all, and lets none of it go to waste. I’m praying for your heart on this day, that you would feel the Lord’s nearness, and know the grace He has for you no matter what emotions come your way…”Remind them of the Lord’s nearness even when it doesn’t feel like it.
”I know the Lord can feel far off, especially on hard days like this, but I pray you’re able to rest in His nearness today. You are held in His tender care, and even the darkness is not dark to Him (Psalm 139)…”Let them know how you are praying for them
What Card to Send:
What to Write in a Mother’s Day Card when there’s a mix of emotions
My best advice is to focus on one emotion, but mention and honor the other emotions or struggles you know they’re likely walking through. It’s okay to focus on the good, but it can sometimes feel hurtful if no one at least acknowledges the pain you’re very likely experiencing. There is room for both grief and joy at the cross, so there is room to honor both in our letters to ones we love.
“Happy Mother’s Day, friend! I hope you’re showered with love by your kiddos and husband today, celebrating what an amazing mom you are. I pray you’re able to celebrate and remember your mom in some way as well, and rely on the Lord as you navigate both grief and the joy of motherhood today…”
I pray this list of prompts, scenarios, and letter writing ideas are a blessing to you as you sit down to write a Mother’s Day card this season! Please feel free to comment your ideas, what you would add, or messages you have received in a Mother’s Day card that have been a blessing to you.