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 X

Happy 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!