05/10/2026
Mom is Like a Cupcake - By Greg Faulkenberry
May 10, 2026| REAL
On behalf of all human beings: Thank you, Moms. It is easy to get lost in the noise of daily life—the laundry, the schedules, the problems, and even our own big dreams. But if we can pause for just one second and strip away the "to-do" list, we see a beautiful truth: You were designed by God to breathe life into this world. You were made in His image to exemplify His intent.
As Ephesians 2:4-5 reminds us, God is rich in mercy. He loved us even when we were at our worst. He knew you before you ever knew Him, and He chose you for this mission called motherhood. Don’t underestimate your strength or your grace. Even when you don’t feel perfect, or when a tough parenting moment makes you feel like you aren't the "favorite person"—you are full of purpose and destiny.
To celebrate that purpose, I’ve been thinking about how much a mother’s heart resembles a cupcake. It sounds simple, but there is a profound sweetness in that comparison.
Think about the fact that in a down economy, cupcakes represent what is attainable. You might not always be able to afford a massive, five-tier cake, but you can almost always find a small "wrapper of joy." This is exactly what mothers do for us: they show us what is truly important. You teach us how to be creative and have fun regardless of what’s in the bank account. You show us that making memories doesn’t require a huge budget; it just requires being present. In a world of social media "posers" and the pressure to live beyond our means, you remind us to stop "keeping up" and start leaning in.
Beyond that resourcefulness, there is the simple comfort you provide. A psychiatrist once noted that people don’t just line up at bakeries because the cupcakes taste good—they go because they’re "hungry for hugs." Life can be overwhelming no matter how old we get. There are many things in this world that "taste good"—careers, accolades, or relationships—but nothing replaces the comfort of a mother's embrace when the world feels like it’s crumbling. You are the safety net, providing the sweet reassurance that we are wanted and needed.
Perhaps most importantly, a cupcake is a delicious example of being "good enough" exactly as you are. They are unique, contained, and don't need to prove anything more than what is inside that wrapper. We see so many "flavors" of motherhood: the serious souls who are classic Vanilla, the adventurous Peanut Butter Fudge, the spunky Lemon Berry, or the creative Pumpkin Spice. By being true to your own unique flavor, you teach your children how to be confident in their own design. You show us how not to second-guess the way God made us. You teach us how to be our own unique "cupcake" in a world that sometimes forgets how much beauty there is in being one-of-a-kind.
Even through the hard years and the daily struggles, God has been reaching out with loving arms. He is beside you, longing to be part of everything that interests you. You are appreciated, you are needed, and you are deeply loved by Jesus.
Happy Mother’s Day.
REAL Response:
Grace: What part of your unique "flavor" have you been trying to change? How can you celebrate that specific trait today as a gift God purposely placed within you?
Grit: Standing in the "hard years" is exhausting. What one heavy burden or whisper of "not enough" can you lay down today to rest in His strength instead?
The Honest Truth: Can you find God’s hand in one "messy" moment right now, trusting that He is filling the void and turning your struggles into a masterpiece of grace? Yes / Not Yet
Remember, circling "Yes" isn't a claim to perfection; it is a declaration of purpose. You are agreeing with God's design for your life and calling forth the strength of the woman He is refining you to be.
Bonus Poem:
As we celebrate today, remember these words by poet M.S. Lowndes:
"For You Mum On Mother's Day... I want to tell you, Mum That you're special to the Lord, And you are valued in His eyes, For no one loves you more. And Mum, I want you to know How blessed you really are, For I know that it was never easy, Those past years were quite hard. But even through the years gone by, I believe that God was there, Reaching out with loving arms, Though we were unaware. And He is still beside you Longing to be a part Of all the things that interest you, For you're special in His heart. For even in the daily struggles That seems to be part of life, The Lord longs to be involved And fill the void inside. So Mum, on this Mother's day, I just want you to know That you were always appreciated And that Jesus loves you so."
Poem © M.S. Lowndes | Heavens Inspirations
Read More from Greg Faulkenberry on the REAL Blog
Following Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit... It's a way of life that permeates every moment.
