After almost three years of living in my neighborhood, I began a mom's group. I put flyers up on our community mailboxes and waited to see what kind of response I got. I stepped out in faith trusting that the Lord was at work in my circle of influence. He had placed me, a mother of a young child, in a neighborhood full of moms at the same stage, and this was not a mistake. Our God is a providential God, "and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men (and women) would seek him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:26&27, NIV).
To be a part of God's pursuit of these women was humbling and exciting. The intent of the group was to connect moms who live down the street from each other, not necessarily to start a bible study. Eight to ten of us now meet for a regular play date, moms only coffee night, and dessert potluck that involves the whole family. It is amazing to think that a year ago I did not even know these women, and now I see them as friends.
As I get to know their stories, I hope that my walk with the Lord can have eternal impact. Only he can envelop them with compassion, and rouse them from their weariness. He wants them to realize how in love he is with them, that he desires more than anything to be in relationship with them.
May God use us, as moms who know Jesus, to be salt and light to the women right next door. These precious ladies whom God so loves are within blocks of where we live, and we are called to go. The urgency of our obedience to him is vital. We must refuse to live this life unto ourselves, and realize that his most prized possession is the people he has placed around us. "Look around you! Vast fields of human souls are ripening all around us, and are ready now for reaping" (John 4:35b, LB). When we choose obedience, moms in our neighborhood will be blessed.
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