Honoring The Titus 2 Women in Our Lives Who Raised Our Husbands This Mother’s Day
If you’re anything like me, you’ve likely spent most of your life thinking of Mother’s Day as a time to celebrate your own mum—or, if you’re a mother yourself, to enjoy the love and attention poured out by your children and husband.
And rightly so. But as I’ve grown older (and been married for just over two and a half years now), I’ve come to see another woman in the picture. One who may not always be front and center, but whose love, labor, and legacy helped shape the man I married.
I’ve been blessed with a mother-in-law who has welcomed me warmly into the family and who clearly adores her son. That alone is worth honoring.
And I’ve come to believe that—beyond the jokes and awkward stereotypes—our mothers-in-law are often the quiet Titus 2 women in our lives.
They’ve weathered decades of change, sacrifice, motherhood, and marriage. They’ve earned wisdom through experience. And while we might not always know how to express it, they deserve to be seen and celebrated!
This article isn’t about placing more pressure on your plate—goodness knows we’re all carrying enough—but about gently reframing how we view the women who raised our husbands.
It’s about extending a hand, showing honor, and planting seeds of peace and love in a relationship that, by God’s grace, can grow into something truly beautiful.
But how how we can do that practically, sincerely, and with hearts grounded in biblical encouragement? Here’s a few idea’s I’m thinking of this year!
Ruth and Naomi: A Legacy of Devotion We Can Learn From
When we think about mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships in Scripture, Ruth and Naomi stand out in stunning contrast to the stereotypes we often hear.
Ruth didn’t just tolerate Naomi—she clung to her. She left everything familiar to stay by her side, and her words still echo with power and tenderness:
“Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
That wasn’t a lighthearted vow. It was a covenant. Ruth wasn’t bound by duty or custom—she chose loyalty and love, even when the future was uncertain and the past had been marked by loss.
And it was through that choice, through that devotion, that God wrote a lineage that led straight to King David, and eventually, to Christ Himself.
It’s humbling to think about, isn’t it? That God used something as ordinary as a daughter-in-law’s faithfulness to help accomplish His extraordinary redemptive plan.
We don’t know what blessings may come when we make space in our hearts for the women who came before us. But when we honor them with grace, humility, and compassion, we reflect something greater than ourselves.
We reflect the Gospel. And even if the relationship isn’t perfect—what relationship is?—we can still choose kindness, and trust that the Lord will use even that in ways we can’t yet see.
The Fear No One Talks About: Fading Into the Background
One of the quiet heartbreaks many women carry—often unspoken—is the fear that when their son grows up, gets married, and builds a new family, they’ll be forgotten.
It’s easy to brush this off in the thick of motherhood, especially when your own children are young or you’re in the middle of building a life with your husband.
But imagine being in her shoes. Years of prayer, sacrifice, and love poured into her son… only to wonder if her place in his life has been replaced. Not by rivalry, but by design.
As daughters-in-law, we have a powerful opportunity here. To pull her back into the fold with honor. To reassure her that she still matters, her wisdom still counts, and her presence is a gift—not a burden.
You don’t have to agree with her on everything. You don’t have to have a picture-perfect relationship. But small, intentional gestures of honor go a long way. And they set a beautiful example for the next generation.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Mother-in-Law Appreciation:
- Trinket Dish – Somewhere for her keys or jewelry with a kind word for her to hold on to and remember how much you appreciate her.
- Engraved Keepsake Box – A meaningful spot for letters, notes, or photos from her grandchildren.
- Floral Scripture Journal – A devotional space she can use daily.
- Tea Sampler Set with Infuser – For a slow afternoon with a warm cup and no obligations.
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Honoring Her in the Quiet Moments—Before or After the Day
Let’s be honest: Mother’s Day can be full. Maybe you have little ones underfoot, a church service to attend, or a lunch to host.
The idea of adding one more thing to the day itself might feel overwhelming—and that’s completely understandable.
But here’s the good news: honoring your mother-in-law doesn’t need to be confined to the day on the calendar.
In fact, the most meaningful gestures often happen in the margins—on the days before or after, when the pressure is off and the thoughtfulness feels more personal.
At its core, this isn’t about checking a box. It’s about recognizing that she still matters. That her presence and influence are worth acknowledging, even in small ways. And that the role she’s played in your husband’s life—and now yours—is not overlooked.
You could plan a simple lunch together the week before. Or tuck a handwritten note into the mail, paired with a few old photos she hasn’t seen in years.
Maybe you put together a small devotional package with a beautiful verse and a few of her favorite teas. It’s less about “what” you do, and more about letting her know she’s still seen, still valued, still loved.
If you’re apart geographically, a scheduled phone call with the sole purpose of thanking her (not just the usual “catch-up”) can mean more than you might expect.
Hearing, in your own voice, that you’re grateful she raised the man you love—it’s something that lingers.
And if she’s the sentimental type? Create something lasting. A memory book, a digital frame loaded with pictures, or a collection of cherished recipes preserved beautifully in print.
Thoughtful Keepsake Ideas:
- Scrapbook Kit – A lovely way to preserve stories, photos, or little notes from her children and grandchildren.
- Custom Recipe Binder – Gather the meals your husband remembers from childhood and give her a place to write them down and pass them on.
- Digital Picture Frame – Preload it with treasured family moments and send it ready to plug in and enjoy.
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When the Relationship Is Complicated
Not every daughter-in-law relationship is warm or easy. Maybe there’s history. Misunderstandings. Clashes in personality or parenting styles. If that’s where you find yourself, please know—you’re not alone.
And nothing in this article is written to ignore or minimize the reality of strained relationships.
But even in the midst of tension, it’s still possible to offer a small measure of grace. A quiet prayer. A simple note. A kind word sent by text or written by hand.
Something like: “Thank you for raising the man I love. I see your imprint on him.”
It doesn’t need to be elaborate or emotionally weighty—it just needs to be sincere.
Sometimes we think honoring someone means liking them, or pretending everything is perfect. But that’s not biblical honor.
Honor is a posture of the heart. It’s a decision to treat someone with dignity because God says they are worthy of it—not because they’ve earned it perfectly, but because He has.
It’s no small thing that God included “Honor thy father and mother” among the Ten Commandments. He didn’t say, “if they’re easy to love,” or “if they parented flawlessly.” He knew we’d wrestle with this. And still, He asked it of us.
If your mother-in-law is difficult, but safe to interact with, then a small gesture of respect—even from a distance—may go further than you realize.
And if things truly are harmful or unsafe, you can still honor from afar: by praying, by refusing to speak ill, by gently supporting your husband’s efforts to maintain relationship where it’s appropriate.
Because while you might not feel the loss keenly, he might. And a wife who encourages reconciliation where it’s wise? That’s a quiet kind of strength. One that guards peace. One that honors the Lord.
You don’t have to be best friends. But if there’s any opportunity to extend grace—even once a year—it might be one of the most powerful gifts you give your marriage.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas For Your Mother In Law
These gift suggestions are soft, thoughtful, and uncomplicated—perfect for when you want to extend kindness in a quiet, meaningful way.
- Willow Tree ‘Thank You’ Figurine – A small, hand-painted figure holding flowers—simple and symbolic, with a message of quiet appreciation.
- Being Always Peachy Devotional by A.C. Williams – A lighthearted, heartfelt devotional offering hope, grace, and gentle truth for everyday life. Thoughtful without being overwhelming.
- Bookmark – Tuck it inside a card or devotional. A small gesture, but one that may be kept and used for years.
- Elegant Boxed Set of Blank Floral Note Cards – Perfect if you’d rather write a heartfelt note than shop for a gift. Pair it with a handwritten card and let your words do the work.
- Scented Candle in a Soft Floral or Linen Scent – Choose something calming like lavender, peony, or cotton—no bold fragrances or fussy packaging, just something peaceful.
- Tea Sampler – A box of individually wrapped teas, each with an encouraging Bible verse on the tag—thoughtful, comforting, and easy to gift.
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Planting Seeds for Our Own Future
Someday—sooner than we think—we may be the mother-in-law ourselves. The older woman. The one hoping our sons and daughters still call. The one praying our daughters-in-law see us with kindness.
How we treat our own mother-in-law today quietly sets the tone for how we might be treated tomorrow.
It teaches our children what honor looks like in practice—not just in big moments, but in the slow, ordinary faithfulness of remembering those who came before.
These gestures don’t need to be grand or Instagram-worthy. Often, it’s the quiet choices that speak the loudest: patience instead of irritation, grace instead of distance, a simple act of kindness done without needing acknowledgment.
This kind of honor is more than a social nicety—it’s obedience. It’s worship. It’s choosing to reflect Christ in the roles we’ve been given, knowing we’re also shaping the legacy we’ll one day leave.
So give her a call. Write the note. Send the flower. Let her know that she’s remembered, loved, and honored—not just by her son, but by the woman he chose to walk through life with.
The Takeaway
Honoring your mother-in-law this Mother’s Day doesn’t mean you’re overlooking your own role as a mother, wife, or daughter—it simply means you’re choosing to live with grace and intentionality.
Whether your relationship is strong or a work in progress, there’s beauty in choosing kindness.
Our gestures, no matter how small, have the power to reflect God’s heart and plant seeds for the kind of legacy we hope to leave behind.
A note, a prayer, a meal—these are sacred acts. Let’s be women who remember, who reach out, and who bless the women who came before us!
What to Read Next?
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Know someone who might need this encouragement? Share this post with a daughter-in-law, a newly married friend, or a woman who’s walking the same road.
You never know how a few gentle words might change the tone of a relationship—or heal a wound.
How do you honor the older women in your life? Drop your ideas or encouragement in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Last update on 2025-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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