The Gospel reading for Jan. 1 gives us a glimpse into Mary’s reaction upon hearing what the shepherds said about her newborn son.

“All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” (Luke 2:16-21)

Mary’s emotions as the mother of a child with so much hope surrounding him could have been overwhelming, but in Luke’s account we see a reflective young woman steadied by her faith in God, the support of Joseph, her husband, and the belief of strangers, the shepherds.

As a faithful Jewish woman, Mary would also have been familiar with the prophesies of Isaiah foretelling the Messiah’s sacrifice and suffering. She likely held that in her heart, too.

Luke’s depiction of Mary reminds me of the mothers whose stories I’ve learned about through my work as a writer and editor for Unbound. Mothers participating in our programs around the world hold a multitude of things in their hearts — love, hope, joy, fear, uncertainty, sadness, disappointment, determination and faith among them. Many of these mothers have a special affinity for Mary as a model of maternal love and grace in sacrifice.

Like Mary, they’ve said “yes” to helping their children reach their God-given potential and creating a better future for their families and communities. They know it won’t be easy, and that there’ll be risk and sacrifice involved. These brave mothers are bolstered by Unbound sponsors believing in their capabilities and supporting their dreams and those of their children.

One such mother is Martha in Costa Rica, whose daughter Kathia is sponsored through Unbound. Martha helps her family and the environment by recycling old tires and turning them into colorful planter pots that look like flower petals. She found courage to keep moving forward with her home-based business to help support her children, despite sometimes feeling like she couldn’t do it.

“Look at the beautiful shape it is taking … the tire is taking a divine shape,” Martha said about her work. “I am giving life to something that was no longer useful.”

Mothers like Martha hold amazing things in their hearts when it comes to finding the fortitude and perseverance to do what’s needed for their children. With God’s grace and support from people who believe in them, these mothers have limitless potential.

Lord of the possible, strengthen mothers everywhere in their efforts to love, protect and guide their children. Like your mother, may they reflect and act upon the amazing things they hold in their hearts, carrying out God’s will in the process. We ask this in your holy name. Amen.