Don’t these women look like they are enjoying their tea break from work in a munitions factory (1944)? We all need a break from the difficult work and loneliness that are a part of daily life. When my life feels impossible, I want to be able to enjoy friends and fellowship like these ladies!
Women are made for friendship, camaraderie, sharing everything together and supporting each other--always and forever. Women are the very best of friends, I think!
Jennie Nelson, my dear friend, shares my heart for gathering women and forming deep connections and friendships. After several years of waiting and faithfully serving at our conferences and behind the scenes, Jennie is now leading the initiative to equip Mom Heart Groups by organizing women all over the world. I'm so thankful she has offered to share with you here today about how to find Mom Heart groups in your area or start a group of your own. I know her words will do your heart good!
From Jennie:
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25
In Hebrews 10, God shows us how to hold fast to our hope, and stir up love and good works. That is, by assembling together. We need to fellowship together with those who love God. So, how do we find others with whom to assemble?
One way to find like-minded friends is to gather regularly to read and discuss a book together. We call these groups Mom Heart Groups. A Mom Heart Group is a gathering of women committed to restoring mothers’ hearts to God’s heart for motherhood. Around the world, there are hundreds of Mom Heart Groups ministering to women in their communities. My local Mom Heart Group has been an incredible blessing as I settle into life in a new state. They are my closest friends, inspirations and mentors. We encourage each other, laugh, cry and serve together. Romans 12:15-16a says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another.” This has certainly been true in my experience.
These are women from four different Mom Heart groups in two different states enjoying the Mom Heart Conference Feb. 2015
Are you interested in finding a local Mom Heart Group? We have set up a Facebook group where you can search for a local group or let others know about your existing group. Please join us! We have already had several women in different parts of the country get connected to a local Mom Heart Group.
The Lord says that when we speak of Him together, He will listen in. What a special gift to give each other- the Lord’s ear as we speak to one another!
“Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name” Malachi 3:16
Will you find one other woman or a group of women and begin to “assemble together” and “speak to one another?” It will be like honey to your souls.
Sally and Clay have written an incredible resource for anyone who would like more information about how to start, lead and tend a Mom Heart Group. Taking Motherhood to Hearts is a concise guide to everything you need to know to facilitate a group. It answers the common questions and fears as well as gives practical ideas of what a group could look like. Many women or two, in a home or coffee shop, morning or evening… the possibilities are endless!
Sally and I have been friends for several years because someone once handed me one of her books. Giving a book to someone who needs encouragement is a great way to inspire them and to be able to talk about the issues of motherhood.
My motherhood has been impacted mightily for the kingdom through Sally’s writing and mentoring. I am thrilled to help Mom Heart Ministries by facilitating the Mom Heart Groups Facebook page, as well as helping on other projects. I live in Boise, Idaho, making a life of books, art, and legos with my engineer husband, our two precious boys and my dear mother. I enjoy leading Mom Heart Groups and mentoring new leaders in order to share some of what the Lord has given me.
Amazingly, over 35 new groups have started since the launch of Own Your Life and are reading that together. Maybe you would like to start a group in your area or on social media! Jennie will help you put your group together! Join our network now and become a part of a mom movement!