Before I became an Embrace Grace leader, I wanted to serve in ministry, but I didn't know how to make it happen. I had two boys who were five and two, and my husband worked the second shift, so I always had the kids with me–we didn't have childcare. Then, I joined a women's group, and they kept saying, "You're supposed to be doing something with children," and I was like, "Really??". I went to school to be a teacher, but I found out I didn't have the patience for it. But then one of the ladies pointed me towards Embrace Grace; I looked into it and decided, yes, this is what I'm supposed to be doing.
At the time, I was really seeking God for my purpose because I felt like I didn't have one. So when I found out about Embrace Grace, there was no question about it– that's what I was called to do, so I believed my life would fall into place with it. When God calls you to a thing, you must make time for it. People often say, "I have to go to work," similarly, I know that Embrace Grace is something I have to be a part of. My husband and my boys know Tuesdays are my EG days!
One thing I appreciate about Embrace Grace is how easy they make it to lead a group. The curriculum comes packed with great teachings by great teachers, and the weekly videos start a discussion among the moms without me having to. The lessons really tug at their hearts to speak. I'm not necessarily a "go by the book" type of person, but I've read through all the training materials, so I can pick and choose and discern what's best for the group I have each semester. I'm not a leader who comes up with ideas easily, so having everything provided for me is very helpful.
I've had so many beautiful moments serving our brave moms. There's a lesson in the curriculum we call "Defend." At the end of the class, we give them an opportunity to let go of the unforgiveness in their heart. The video plays a male and female voice that apologizes on behalf of whoever has hurt them–their mother, a sister, or maybe a best friend. These voices could represent their father, an ex-boyfriend– whoever they are struggling to forgive. One semester, after we played the video, I remember every single mom in the room was sobbing. My co-leaders and I just allowed them the space to grieve. We didn’t get to any of the questions in the lesson that night. We held their hands and prayed over them for the rest of the class. That moment really blew my mind. I got to witness these brave girls let go of all the unforgiveness they were holding on to. They were crying because it hurt to let it go! Sometimes, forgiveness is painful. Being able to lead them through that moment was a blessing.
Leading Embrace Grace has taught me how to see people the way God sees them. Sometimes, we can be our own hardest critics. Usually, when you're hard on yourself, it's because you lack the ability to be gracious to yourself, which means you don't have any grace to extend to others. So each semester, as I lead these brave girls, I think to myself, this girl isn't just a drug addict. That girl doesn't have anxiety for no reason–these women are not a lost cause. That's a lie! Something happened that changed their lives. Every story matters. When I allow God to work through me, the Holy Spirit lets me see each mom through His lens, and it's really changing me.
Find a place of belonging in a support group for moms with unexpected pregnancies or single, young moms and dads.
