It is that time of year when everyone starts with their New Year’s resolutions. They begin by assessing what’s worked this year, what hasn’t, and how their goals need to be adjusted or revisited. So, as we assess, let’s ask, “What does your motherhood community look like? How are you receiving encouragement, support, practical help, and guidance in your motherhood journey?”
Maybe you are already in the atmosphere of a strong network of like- minded moms who are supportive of you in your pursuit of the biblical design of motherhood. Maybe you feel desperate for friendship and isolated and struggle with negative emotions as young children demand all your time and energy. Or maybe the friendships you do have are more draining than helpful. You actually feel worse after leaving a play date.
A Mom Heart small group can be the breath of fresh air for you in the New Year whether you find one to join or start one on your own.
It has been my privilege to lead a local Mom Heart group in the North Alabama area for the past three years. We meet weekly at the local YMCA, where childcare is provided. Our group does a book study each year, along with outreach ministry to women and children. We have had as many as 18 women and as few as one and myself.
Here is what one faithful attender has written:
“A couple of years ago when my homeschooled children returned to public school, I found myself with free time. I joined a Momheart group that met at our local YMCA. There I found moms of all ages meeting together, building friendships, and finding help for their families in a positive and supportive way. I began to look forward to our meetings as one of the highlights of my week. It is so nice not to have to walk alone through this mom-journey. My children are older, and the book The Ministry of Motherhood showed me how to begin to build the adult relationships we needed. I love that we use the Bible and Christ’s life as our example. ”
Our small group has birthed two new groups over the past two years. One lady interested in leading has been a good friend for a number of years. She wondered about guidelines to have a “Mom Heart group”.
I reminded her that what we had been doing for all the years of our friendship was Mom Heart. “Louise, as we sit around the deck or kitchen table, eat something delicious or sip coffee or tea and share about the goodness of God in our lives….Through our struggles…..and through our triumphs…We are having Mom Heart time.”
I reminded her to spread the tablecloth and light a candle to make her area of sharing more civilized and beautiful.
I gave my new leaders freedom to choose the structure that fit their group be it prayer walks with moms and strollers or book discussions. There is no limit to creativity when the power of the Holy Spirit is present, who is present in each of us as believers.
Finally, the most recent venture I want to share with you about, Mom Heart Lacey, is so dear to my heart. It is a Mom Heart outreach has begun in my own rural community to reach out to moms and children in poverty. We meet weekly at a local church and share gospel storytelling, children’s literature, and practical life skills for moms.
One faithful attendee wrote:
“Mom Heart is very important to me and my children. We look forward to Thursday every week. Not only do the kids get to participate in a variety of activities, but they learn about the bible. The mom time is just as relaxing and informative. It is a safe place where women share wisdom while learning to make laundry soap. Mom Heart also comes to the aid of the community and friends at a moment’s notice. Mom Heart means you are not alone on so many different levels.” -Tiffany Morgan
When I began the weekly meetings of the first local group over three years ago I struggled with insecurities that no one would bother to listen to me…a divorced working mom encouraging them in their role to be a Godly wife and mother.
But God has worked through my inadequacies to raise up a band of women here in North Alabama that are fighting for their families and sharing the grace and love of God with other mothers the Father brings into their lives.
For this time of reflection, might you consider that if there is not a local group, then you might be the very one to call other women together to walk in community and strengthen your Mom Heart together?
See what the Lord will do. Be resolved.
Happy Resolutions,
Pam
About Pam Graves
Inspiring! Thank you for sharing with us. Thank you for believing that God could use you!
Thank you! I am almost counting the days to Raleigh. I am looking forward to that time together.
Pam, this is wonderful what the Lord is accomplishing through you O:). In Christ’s Love, Sherree
Thank you Sherree! It is a true blessing to be a part of this ministry. I appreciate your encouragement.
Pam, I love your faithful heart. So many lives are being touched because you said yes, Lord use me. Blessings my friend.
Awe, the blessing is all mine. This is a wonderful time of ministry. I am so thankful to have this support system to share with and celebrate together all the Father is doing!
Pam,
You are such a wonderful blessing and such an amazing Mamma:)
Love you!!!
I love you and hope I can give you a gigantic hug…not too hard since you are so tiny:) in Raleigh. I sure missed being with you all in September but loving on those African women and babies was dynamite!