The Importance of a Christian Village

Gò0dNews for Mothers

The Importance of a Christian Village

by Jessica Mathis

Motherhood can be described in a variety of ways— exciting, stressful, full of love, upsetting, covered in grace—the list goes on. What I have come to realize is that without a village to walk alongside us during this phase of our lives, motherhood may be described with more bad adjectives than good.

Let me be honest and say that when I first became a mother, life was lonely, and I’ve heard firsthand that a lot of mothers have felt that way at some point in time. It was so lonely, in fact, that I was searching for any type of friendship—even if it was a relationship that negatively effected my relationship with Christ. Nine times out of ten, a Christian is more easily swayed to do wrong than a non-believer is swayed to do right. Being lonely is more beneficial than being unequally yoked in friendships. That is a hard pill to swallow. God said in His word, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). Doesn’t this mean that God never intends for us to be lonely? Shouldn’t we avoid it at all costs? If we keep reading in Genesis, we find that Adam’s helper, Eve, was the person who encouraged Adam to disobey God, which led to the “fall of mankind.” Not all company is good company.

A Christian village—where do I find one of those? That was a question that I had for years and that I’m sure many women have. Career changes, family relationships, simply a need for a fresh start…these are just a few things that might lead to a place and a time where friendship is simply not easy but crucial. At times, church relationships are simply not enough. Around six years ago, I discovered a group for local Christian mothers called MOPS (“Mothers of Preschoolers”). Did I join? No. Here I was praying for Christian friendship, and I ran from it. I was too anxiety-ridden to try something new.

Fast forward a few years later, and a friend who was very active in that same MOPS group told me they were in dire need and asked if I would consider joining MOPS leadership. My first thought was probably something like, 20 // January 2023

“No way! I’ve been running from this group for years. I’m not a social butterfly. I can’t be a leader.” Looking back, I think this friend asked me because she knew I wasn’t one to typically say no to a need. Fast forward, I’m extremely thankful for that friend that knew I couldn’t say no because it was God’s way of showing me who my “Christian village” was.

This “Christian village” and group of close-knit friendships I have found has been something I’ve always longed for. There’s something about friends who will be honest about the valleys of motherhood but will pray about them with you. Those who understand how lonely the everyday chores of motherhood can be and that a simple cup of homemade coffee and conversation with a friend can make all the difference in the day.

Motherhood was never meant to be lonely. Although it might not seem like it now, there is a group of God-fearing friends waiting for you to join them. The Lord is wanting us to pray to and trust Him. He is waiting for us to step out of our comfort zone, as Peter walked onto the water, and find our “Christian village.”

About The Author My name is Jessica Mathis and I am from Rome, Georgia. I am a blessed Christian, wife, stay-at-home mama, and part-time women’s advocate. I am just trying to raise a tiny human, one day at a time.

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