Last Sunday, we took time to honour moms and the remarkable women who shape our lives. Whether through a kind word, a steady presence, or an unshakable faith, these women often carry more than we know—and sometimes more than seems possible.

Have you ever felt like you’re carrying more than you can handle?

You're not alone.

In Matthew 1:21, we meet Mary. She’s a teenage girl—engaged, unexpectedly pregnant, and facing the kind of public scrutiny most of us can only imagine. And then an angel appears to her fiancé, Joseph, saying:
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
No pressure, right?

But here’s the beautiful thing—before Jesus ever walked on water, healed the sick, or conquered death, He was simply a baby in someone’s arms. Mary held Him. Rocked Him to sleep. Whispered His name before the world ever knew its power. She carried the Savior—and in doing so, shows us something extraordinary about strength, faith, and love.

Did you know that the Hebrew word for mother carries a hidden meaning?

According to the Ancient Hebrew Research Center, the word is made up of two symbols:
Aleph – a picture of an ox head, meaning strength.
Mem – a symbol for water, often associated with life or chaos.

Put together, they form a word that literally means “strong water.” Why is this significant?

In ancient times, the Hebrews made glue by boiling animal skins in water. As the skins broke down, a thick film rose to the top. That film—called strong water—was used as a binding agent. Glue. Something that holds things together.

The Hebrew word for mother isn’t just about biology—it’s about being the one who binds, who holds, who keeps things from falling apart.

That’s a powerful image. And not just for moms. Because whether you're a parent or not, you’ve likely found yourself in a season where you're holding it all together—for your family, your friends, your job, your community.

But let’s be honest—being the glue can be exhausting. The weight of responsibility, of worry, of just keeping everything from unraveling—it’s a lot.

So here’s your next step:
Whatever you're holding together right now—name it. Say it out loud. Then invite Jesus into that space. Ask Him to hold you together.

Because the Savior Mary once carried is the same Savior who now carries you.