Yep. Been there.
But when you do finally choose to answer God's call, whatever it is, something wonderful happens. Souls are saved. People are brought to Christ. And the world is just an all around better place for you having followed His plan. Kinda makes me wonder why we don't just do it His way the first time…but we are human.
So in the weeks prior to my long hospitalization, I felt God calling me to community with other moms. I am part of a few moms groups, either through the hospital where I delivered, or just through good friends. They are each lovely and I'm SO grateful for them, but my heart was longing for something more. I wanted to join a Catholic moms group. I searched and searched, and couldn't find much of anything for young Catholic moms out there. How can that be? There were at least 15 other couples in our baptism prep class, who all (prayerfully) have children the same age as my son. Where are they? Are they lonely, too?
As I stood in the back of mass each week with a toddler that wouldn't keep still, sharing knowing glances and smiles with other moms, God made something very clear. If I wanted an amazing group of Catholic mamas to share in this journey of motherhood with me, I would have to step outside myself. I would need to "take chances, make mistakes, and get messy" as Ms. Frizzle would say…God was calling me, and I was afraid.
"But, God…" I would think to myself, "surely someone else has already created an amazing network with a fantastic website and tons of activities that I can just show up to…you don't really want me to start something myself, do you?"
The short answer? Yes, yes I do.
Gulp. (Cue the shaking and sweaty palms that accompany being picked last for teams in gym class)
But what if no one joins? What if I set everything up and end up sitting alone in Starbucks staring at my phone pretending to have a really funny conversation with someone via text? (anyone been there? no? just me?)
"But what if you're NOT alone? What if there's a whole community of moms out there just dying for someone to stand up and say 'let's be friends', 'let's walk this journey together'?"
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10
Here I am, Lord. I will go.
It is with awesome excitement (and severe anxiety) that I share with you the first steps in answering God's call to fill this longing in my heart: Catholic Moms of Montgomery County!!
I am teaming up with an amazing mom at St. Rose of Lima who had the same dream I did (I see what you did there, Lord) and working to expand the small play group at our home parish. Catholic Moms of Montgomery County is a group for Catholic moms with little ones who are looking to fellowship and connect with other moms raising their little ones in the church. With a combination of play dates, prayerful events, moms night out, and online support, it is my hope that the group will grow and be used to give God glory through this vocation and sisterhood of motherhood. The group is open to moms from any parish in Montgomery County, Maryland. I can't wait to see what God does with this ministry!!
Here are the two groups to join if you want to get involved:
Our Big Tent site with our calendar of events (you must create an account to RSVP):
http://www.bigtent.com/group/catholicmoco
Our closed (private) Facebook group/Online community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583762851866652
I would LOVE to have you join us! You are not alone; whether you need a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, someone to encourage you, or someone to celebrate with you…welcome.
Here's to taking the plunge, and using our gifts. May God be praised.
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