When there is nothing left to say, say ‘Jesus’
My 1-year-old son has been practicing some new words recently. He loves to look around the house and point and name people and things: “Nana,” “Papa,” “Dada,”’ “Mama,” “Kitty,” “Nana.”…
The joys of being a godmother
A godmother. There is almost something mystical about the term. Children’s fairy tales are full of these kind, magical figures who always make things turn out right. That enchanting impression…
Experiencing childbirth in light of the Resurrection
A year or so after my first child was born, a pregnant friend and I were chatting about her plans for childbirth. She was unsure whether or not to use…
Finding healing after child loss with Red Bird Ministries
Kelly and Ryan Breaux live in Louisiana, have five children, and are the founders of Red Bird Ministries. They have teenage daughter, Estelle Gabriella, and four children in heaven, including…
Memento mori: A good motto for preparing to give birth
Preparing for labor and birth has reminded me of the ancient Latin and monastic saying: memento mori, remembering your death. As I wait through the last weeks of pregnancy with…
When I don’t want to pray: A follow-up
Sisters, I recently wrote to you about this long season I’ve been in — one that feels too long for a self proclaimed Christian and former missionary. It’s the season…
A letter to my special-needs son
The day I heard Roe v. Wade was overturned, I felt compelled to write a letter to my son. This is strange because, being only 16 months old, reading is…
My life is not over for choosing motherhood
I had barely set the pregnancy test on the counter when I saw the blue plus sign. The confirmation came with almost cruel speed. This was gut-wrenching news. It felt…
Preparing even the littlest ones for their vocations
As a mom of two littles, I see daily the many responsibilities parents have for their children. Dirty diapers, half-eaten plates and lots of little toy cars often make up…
What reading with children has taught me
It can be hard to read with young kids around. Snatches of paragraphs between screams and snack times. Reading e-books from the library one-handed while the baby sleeps in my…