Moms Supporting One Another
Posted by Lisa Hendey in Just me on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 2:00 PM
For the past two nights, I had the privilege of visiting two parishes in New Jersey to speak with families about faith, parenting and technology issues. Both evenings were full of grace, as I had the chance to meet online friends “in real life” and to make lots of new friends too. I love speaking in parishes, and especially enjoy reaching out to fellow Catholic moms.
Last night, one of our Faith & Family community members kindly chauffeured me back to my hotel in the city. We had just spend a few hours in the company of her parish Moms group. We fell into a companionable discussion about moms, friendships, and the occasional isolation of faith-filled parenting in today’s world. We are both striving valiantly to raise our children in the faith, and so frequently this can feel like a very difficult thing to do. We look around us and see perils and pressures at every turn - sometimes they feel like more than we can bear alone.
This is where being a part of the Body of Christ can be a true blessing. And yet, sometimes the vocation of being a Catholic mom can be a lonely journey - even in the midst of parishes, Catholic schools, religious education programs and the activities that keep our families so busy these days. We are surrounded by “friends” and yet at times we have no one to help encourage us when the going gets tough.
Blessedly, we can always turn in prayer to the God who loves us beyond measure. But I’m wondering how many of us have good support systems with other moms in our local communities and parishes. The Mothers groups I met this week are the perfect example of women walking together along life’s winding path. At the moment, I do not belong to a moms’ group in my parish. My boys have graduated from our Catholic elementary school and at times I miss the companionship of the “school moms” who were such a big part of my coping skills for many years.
Do you belong to a formal moms’ group in your parish or community? Do you have an informal group of “soul sisters” who support you in your vocation, or even one trusted friend who shares your ups and downs with you?
This week, I invite you to join me in lovingly supporting your friends at home, at church and in your community. Let’s focus on lifting one another up rather than casting judgment on others who may be struggling. And if you’re supported by “soul sisters” in your life, pause today to thank them for the gift of their friendship.
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