When He Says Go, Part 2

Thank you to those of you who have prayed for me as I’ve transitioned to a new Mom’s group. I am grateful for the outpouring of support on this decision, especially from my M2M girls.

Two weeks ago today, I was incredibly nervous, as predicted, to drive across the neighborhood and walk into a house full of complete strangers. Many people have asked me why I was so nervous. I guess I only know my own personality, so it’s hard for me to fathom why anyone wouldn’t understand the nerves? Being shy by nature, but friendly by nurture (thank you Mom and Dad!), I think those who meet me (but don’t truly know me well) are surprised at my social anxieties. Simply put, I was nervous because this was a huge change, an unknown situation, with unknown people, with unknown outcomes, and I was dragging my kids right along with me.

The night before I went to the new group, I didn’t sleep well. I tossed and turned. The next morning I got even more anxious and took those emotions out on Chuck. I believe I may have snapped at him over his wrong technique at heating up a breakfast sandwich in the microwave. His response was to pull me into a hug and pray over me. This was the first time I cried. After he prayed, I noticed how excited the kids were to head over to the new group. Jase kept saying, “Play with new friends!” while jumping and smiling. This really did make my heart happy. God was showing me through Jase this was something I could be excited about, too.

When we pulled up to the house to park, I got tears in my eyes again. It was so hard to get out of the car and walk, but God gave me the Audacity (Beth Moore) to move my legs. That’s all it took. I just had to move. A sweet little blondie greeted us by yelling “Hello!” from the front porch. My kids were excited to run into the new house, and their spirit was contagious.

 

Bristle blocks!

In the end, we had a lovely time. The kids had endless toys to play with, a bounce house to jump in, a swing set to climb on, and this Mama even made a craft (Now that’s hilarious, if you know me!) while drinking coffee.

Oh my. Serious about my crafting.

Throughout the morning there, I had the privilege of meeting 4-5 other Moms, and about 7 kids. On the way home, I had more tears in my eyes, but for a different reason. Each one has a story. Each one has a destiny. Each one has needs. Each one needs love- and I absolutely mean the love of Jesus. Each one needs Jesus Himself- some may already know Him, others may not. So yes, my heart is all in. If God uses me to spread His love, and His gospel it would the greatest joy I could imagine.

It might be strange to say, but I love those girls already.

Baby Girl loved crafting.

He was laughing hysterically at the sounds this gun makes.... ;)

 

When He Says Go...

Raise your hand if you've ever felt The Spirit nudging your heart towards something, but you were really hoping you wouldn't have to do it. I'm glad I can't look around and physically see you right now because I may very well be the only one with my hand up. Trust me, both of my hands are raised.

For the last two and a half school years, I've been involved in a group called, "Mom to Mom" through my church. My particular small group is amazing. I have loved every leader I've had, and I love all the other girls at our table. We have grown together, cried out to God together, laughed together, cried together, partied together, had babies together, lost babies together, played with our kids together, and had some amazing breakfasts together. I had just signed up my kids for the child care a couple weeks ago, all ready to start the new year with my group.

God had other ideas.

Recently, I heard about a group of Moms/preschool kids in my new neighborhood who meet regularly. They just so happen to meet the same exact day and time Mom to Mom meets. My first thought was, "Oh well, I can't join- I already have M2M." Over time, the Holy Spirit began nudging my heart.

His whisper in my soul prompted, "Remember when you drove through this neighborhood before you even lived here and prayed for people?" "Remember how you've been asking me to help you meet your neighbors?" "Remember how you've longed to share Me with those around you?" "Now is your chance."

Me: "Noooooooo. Why can't the group meet on a different day than Mom to Mom does?!"

Then I heard messages from our Pastors on Sunday mornings. They spoke things like, "When God says go, you go!" or "Who is one person in your life you can share the love of Jesus with?"

The final straw happened during my teen small group one night. I was sharing my dilemma about joining the new Mom group vs. staying in my church's Mom group. My co-leader (who's a little older, but a whole lot wiser!) spoke up and stated, "I don't see what the problem is?" Later she talked with me candidly. She basically told me as Christ-followers, we're on this earth to share Christ- with our neighbors. She even said, "Mom to Mom is for you, the other group is for you to share the light of Jesus." Wow. How could I say no after that?!

The next morning I called my amazing Mom to Mom leaders and somewhat tearfully shared the news. I was going to be joining the new group in my neighborhood. They both affirmed my decision and encouraged me I was doing the right thing.

Though reluctantly, next week I will be heading up the street to face a whole group of Moms and kids I've never met. Sounds like an introvert nightmare to me. I might even break out in hives. As I walk over I know I'll be missing my friends who will be gathering at the same time without me. Sniff sniff.

Sometimes God asks us to go, and even when we can't see why, we just go...