
Not Perfect Mom
by Annie Yorty
As Mother’s Day approaches, my thoughts turn to my mom, who was far from perfect. I also think about how often I messed up with my own kids. And I empathize with the myriad moms who worry they’ve ruined their children because they are not perfect moms.
I hope this open letter to my mom, who now lives without condemnation in heaven with her Savior, gives moms in every stage of mothering encouragement and hope.
If you have a mom, remind her God loves her with an everlasting love she can always depend on.
Dear Not Perfect Mom,
You didn’t have a perfect attitude, Mom,
But you got up at the crack of dawn every day
And sustained six children with your pay.
You weren’t a perfect classroom volunteer, Mom,
But you toiled many long hours at night
Making sure our school reports looked just right.
You didn’t have a perfect house, Mom,
But you assigned many chores
To build up our physical cores.
You didn’t have a perfect spiritual life, Mom,
But we spent Sunday mornings in a pew
And we learned how to be made new.
You weren’t a perfect disciplinarian, Mom,
But when we transgressed
You made us confess.
You weren’t a perfect caretaker, Mom,
But when our antics caused pain
We discovered we could rise again.
You didn’t have a perfect bank account, Mom,
But you told us to get work
So our duties we wouldn’t shirk.
You didn’t have perfect relationships, Mom,
But when our hearts felt battered
God restored what was shattered.
You weren’t a perfect example, Mom,
But you read God’s Word
And tried to apply what you heard.
You didn’t have perfect emotions, Mom,
But you tried your best
In your motherly quest.
You weren’t perfect, Mom,
But you sought God’s face
And He covered you with His grace.
You didn’t come from a perfect family, Mom,
But from you God began
A legacy—a God-fearing clan.
Thank you, my not-perfect Mom, for persevering to the end. I am grateful.
~ From your loving, not-perfect daughter
Be Encouraged
My mom struggled to mother six children with virtually no support from her husband. She failed in many ways, yet I believe she did her best. Despite her shortcomings, God was pleased when she turned to Him, and He honored her with a legacy of faith-filled descendants.
My fellow moms, if you’re caught in the trap of perfectionism and recrimination, I urge you to consider Apostle Paul’s words.
I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10 NLT)
When we depend solely on God, He covers all our weaknesses with His lavish grace. When we live in this truth, we rest in Him, and He shines through us.
When we depend solely on God, He covers all our weaknesses with His lavish grace. #annieyorty #mothersday #Godsgrace #perfectionism Share on XHappy Mother’s Day, not-perfect Moms!
Join the conversation:
How have you seen God shine through your weaknesses?
I welcome your comments.
Copyright ©2025 Annie Yorty
A Mother’s Day Gift Suggestion
For Mother’s Day, why not gift this amazing and inspiring novel, Gideon’s Book by Maureen Miller, to your mom. She’ll love it!

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14 Comments
Toby Hopper
Ann, Thank you for your article. Grateful that we and your mama left and are leaving a legacy of love and faith and trust in Jesus. Miss you.
Annie Yorty
I’m so thankful to God for all the grace He’s shown me through my mom and through you as well, Toby. Bless you!
Yvonne Morgan
Thanks Annie. It’s so easy for moms to fall into this trap. Happy Mother’s Day
Annie Yorty
So true, Yvonne. But I thank God He rescues us with His grace time and again.
Barbara Latta
Thanks for the encouragement Annie, because none of us are perfect. Happy Mother’s Day!
Annie Yorty
That’s right, Barbara. With our imperfections, we’re the perfect vessels for God’s grace. Thanks for visiting!
Debbie Wilson
Annie, this is perfect. I imagine most of us wish we knew then what we know now. But none of us are perfect. Thankful for grace.
Annie Yorty
So true, Debbie. If we were perfect, we wouldn’t feel like we need God.
Katherine M Pasour
I remember a lot of not perfect moments in my experiences as a mother. I have a few less than perfect moments as a grandmother, too. But God guides us on this journey. It sounds to me as if your mom did the very best she could with the circumstances she lived with. Look how good you turned out!!
Annie Yorty
You’re very sweet, Katherine. I agree, my mom did her best and God honored her. I’m so thankful His umbrella of grace is big enough for me and you and all who seek Him. Thanks for visiting!
Candyce Carden
This spoke to my heart. I’m sharing it with my daughters.
Annie Yorty
Praise the Lord, Candyce, and thank you!
Yvonne Morgan
Wonderful message that all moms need to hear. I had those types of moments. God can redeem all of our mistakes and that is a blessing
Annie Yorty
I’ve always been very grateful that God is bigger than my mistakes and He loves my kids more than I love them. Thanks for visiting, Yvonne!