"God doesn't want us to be shy with His gifts, but bold and loving and sensible." 2 Timothy 1:7 (Msg). This is our theme verse for the year. I also like the Holman Christian Standard version: "For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment." He has given us all many gifts and abilities and He doesn't want us to be shy or fearful in using them. We are called to minister to, and serve the moms that he has placed in our groups.
One thing that I felt God impressing on me over and over again at convention is that we need to be certain that our groups are welcoming and inviting to ALL moms. We don't want any mom to feel left out. Think back to your first MOPS experience. Was it a welcoming environment? Did anyone make a point of greeting you and getting to know you? I remember my first ever MOPS meeting. We were living in Austin, TX at the time. I had a two year old and a two month old. We had just moved all the way across the country. We had no family, no friends, and no church home. I was scared, lonely and overwhelmed with being a mom. I really didn't feel any warm fuzzies from that group. It seemed very cliquish. No one took the time to make me feel comfortable or welcome. My discussion group leader never contacted me. I honestly don't know why I went back. I did finish out the semester, then decided I was done with MOPS. However, God had other plans for me! I was asked to join their steering team. It was at that point that I started to feel connected and accepted.
I'm thankful that I didn't run away, never to return to MOPS. But some moms do just that. Let's be aware of the atmosphere and attitude our groups portray. We have no idea what a mom is struggling with. She needs us to come alongside her so that she knows that she is not alone in her mothering journey. A kind word, a hug, an email, a facebook post, an invitation to a play date, a card in the mail saying how glad you are that she's part of your group - who knows what one small gesture will do for that mom.
At our field leader training at convention they showed us the following video clip on lifestyle evangelism. It was very moving and convicting for me. Please take the time to watch it. It will really make you think and evaluate your relationships!
"You have that thing that makes you whole. You know that person that I need to know....I'm desperate for something real....I need you. I need you to be here for me. I need you to show me love." That could be what many of the moms in our groups are feeling. Let's reach out to them and show them Christ's love in tangible ways that they can understand and relate to. No mom alone - that is our goal. Let's not be fearful or shy this year as we use our gifts for God's glory. Let's be bold and loving and sensible as we influence the moms in our groups to be better moms who make a better world.
Kath Jerman, Community Coach
MOPS International
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