Twelve years ago, I attended a conference featuring Scott and Kimberly Hahn. I was newly married and frankly, clueless as to what my future held. Nonetheless I took copious notes throughout their talks and when Kimberly spoke about how to be a better wife and mother, I really listened.
One of the most helpful resources she provided was a list of things that we women can do for one another in times of need.* We all know to bring a gift to a baby shower, she said, but what about after the baby is born? That’s when the mother needs our help more than ever, and Kimberly recommended all sorts of charitable deeds that one might do to help the mother enjoy her babymoon more fully.
She then spoke at length about mothers who have a miscarriage. She has had several, if my memory serves me well, and said that we need to minister to the mothers who have lost their babies as much as to the mothers who have delivered them.
I think that some of my friends have heard this speech.
A couple of weeks ago I received a package from Alaska, from two friends of the heart who are too far away for comfort. They knew the pain of my recent loss…and they also knew what might bring a small smile to my face in a time of need.
You’ll note that I couldn’t wait to write this post before digging in.
Yesterday my dear friend Cathie B. drove across town to deliver a meal to our door. “Just because” was the reason she gave me, but I knew better. She brought her unbelievably delicious beef stew, (skimping not a bit on all the beef, I might add), homemade bread bowls, and a salad with all the fixings.
Oh, and homemade cookies. Incredibly delicious homemade cookies that had a rolo baked right inside. (Here’s the link to those dangerously delicious morsels.)
I don’t deserve such kindness and yet there it is.
I hope to pay it forward when—no, make that as often as—I can.
We mommies need it.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
*I will try to track down this list so as to share it. Wish me luck.
You are a sweet lady who is blessed to have such wonderful friends. I have no doubt that you would be one of the first to help out a friend who is in pain or in need of comfort.
THAT STEW and bread bowl looks so, SO YUM!
I would love to read those notes!! I’ve just been reading Kimberly’s Chosen and Cherished – given to me by a woman who attending the conferences which will make up the material for her next book. I’ve never been to hear her speak though so the notes would be a sweet treat indeed!
bMy dear, my dear, I think the nearest second to enjoying that cuppa with you is seeing how well appreciated it is.
Wow, this is an incredible idea. I am going to have to start this. I pray I don’t have to do it too often….but alas, it will now be in my mind when any angel babies flutter off to heaven.
Still praying for you. Been there, know it still aches from time to time.
Well, “Just Because” covers a lot, you know…”Just Because” I love my dear friend, “Just Because” I don’t get to do much else for or with her, “Just Because” I know how much it hurts.
I’m happy you and your wonderful family enjoyed everything, but the pleasure really was all mine.
Kimberly has a list in the back of her book “Life Giving Love”, which I noticed in an earlier post you were reading. There are many different ideas on how to minister to women in different times of need.
I am so happy that you have people who are ministering to you, especially right now. We may not ever deserve it, but like you said, it is very much needed.
God bless you and your family.
I’d love to see the list also.
You do deserve it!