When my pastor asked me to lead my own group, I already had experienced volunteering as a co-lead, so I had a pretty good idea of what I was getting myself into. Around that time, I had been doing a 40-day fast because I was in a place in my life where I wanted to do more–I wanted to be a part of something bigger. I wanted to be more involved at my church. It was never on my radar to lead a group; I only wanted to assist. But since I was also a teen mom, I love how Embrace Grace supported young moms, and I had the heart to be a part of that. I love what they do and how they do it, too!
One thing that makes leading with Embrace Grace so easy is my partnership with local pregnancy centers. They give out Love Boxes to single moms in need of support, so I don't have to go out looking for them. I also love how I’m given a 12-week curriculum, so each lesson is already prepared for me. It really sets me up for success. Most of the time, I don't even have to ask the questions in the book; the moms in my group ask their own questions after watching the videos in each lesson. There's even a craft section that they really love, and that's another thing I don't have to think about!
During my first semester leading, the Lord truly walked with me and taught me how to give well to my brave moms and have enough of myself for my family and me. As life gets busy and things change, it's a constant readjustment, so I take advantage of it when we're not in session. I take the time to rest and replenish myself mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. And Embrace Grace does a great job of keeping me accountable. Leading has strengthened my relationship with the Lord. It keeps me sharp and always on point because it's essential that I give from a full well and not the bottom of my barrel. I always want to give each mom my best.
God is doing miracles through Embrace Grace. My favorite memory happened at a baby shower where one of my brave girl's sisters came to support her and ended up accepting Jesus into her heart at the end of the shower. I've seen a lot of brave girls get saved each semester, but I've never witnessed a guest at a baby shower being so moved by God from seeing the love these moms receive that they chose to follow Jesus for themselves. Being able to witness that was special.
Becoming an Embrace Grace leader has made me a better person, wife, and mom. As moms, we tend to give, give, and give. Through leading, Embrace Grace teaches me the importance of ensuring I'm healthy in the same way I speak to my brave girls about caring for themselves. It’s just like the airplane demonstration where they say to put your mask on before helping anyone else. Seeing God work in me and through my life every semester reminds me of how much I've overcome. This experience has been so rewarding, and I'm grateful for making me more than just a teen pregnancy statistic–He is using me!
Find a place of belonging in a support group for moms with unexpected pregnancies or single, young moms and dads.
