Go Joyfully and Obediently like Children; Tears Are Prayer Too
June 2024
Photo by Aaron Burden
Friends, I want to introduce you to our guest writer this month,
from Whole and Holy. Sara and I connected on Substack and it’s been a joy to get to know her and her writing in this space. She graciously accepted the invite to write here and I am SO excited to share her work with you. If you enjoy candid writing about faith, parenthood and living the Christian Faith, her Substack just might be for you. So without further delay…Go Joyfully and Obediently like Children
by
Trinity Sunday was a rarity for our family: although our two girls (2.5yo and 1yo) were both up early, they were in relatively good moods. Both had slept through the night. Breakfast got made (pancakes!). Children got dressed. Naps got taken.
And, on top of that, my sweet husband carved out fifteen minutes for me to take some time for personal prayer and meditation on the Mass readings before we got in the car.
As a Morning Person (TM) whose lifestyle has become that of a Night Owl (TM), this was a tremendous gift to me. It's rare that I get that quiet alone time before the hustle and bustle of the day begins, and I noticed a significant difference in my attitude and patience during Mass as a result of setting that time aside.
Because I couldn't find my Missal (and because I know myself well enough to know that I won't pray if I'm on my phone), I pulled out my trusty Bible and looked up each passage1. And, as I was praying with the readings, I really noticed the Lord speaking to me, as if directly into my own worries and wounds:
"Go, obediently and joyfully, like a child."
For some context, I'm a fairly change-averse person, and our family is headed into a time of profound change and uncertainty. We have reason to hope that, in the long run, this will be really good for our family, but in the meantime, my husband and I trade off days like clockwork: one day, I'm stressed and sad and anxious while he's confidently reassuring me of the Lord's providence; a few days later, the tables have turned and I'm returning the favor.
I bear the marks of this stress in my body: dyshidrotic eczema and insomnia have come alongside the restless leg syndrome and nursing aversion I still bear from my most recent pregnancy. The end-of-the-school-year cold wrecked our family, leaving us all cranky and in pain. A tight, heavy chest alerts me to the reality that, while I am coping well-enough-to-get-by, this situation isn't sustainable in the long term.
And so, to hear the Lord speaking over my life, "Go, joyfully and obediently, like children"... That hits different, as they say.
I don't mean to imply that our children are always joyful and obedient--far from it, as anyone who's ever met a toddler will know. And yet, as their parents, we can so often see with a wider vision than they can, and we know that if they would just come along joyfully and obediently, they would be rewarded with some good they can't yet perceive or understand.
Out of heaven he let you hear his voice, that he might discipline you. And on earth he let you see his great fire, and you heard his words out of the midst of the fire. And because he loved your fathers and chose their offspring after them and brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power, driving out before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is this day, know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.
- Deuteronomy 4:36-39, ESV
He is preparing the way for our family as we navigate this season. Whatever fears or worries we have, He knows them and has them under control. Whatever challenges or heartache we face, He will be with us at every step.
We know this, deeply, intimately and yet we are constantly in need of reminders to trust.
My husband and I ask one another daily, "Do you promise that everything is going to be okay?"
Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. ... Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
- Psalm 33:1. 20-22, ESV
We have been provided for over this last year in ways that sound truly crazy when stated out loud: decades-old savings accounts re-discovered, contract work coming through with no warning, un-asked for gifts from family at just the right time. This kind of Providence is both heartening and terrifying. It is something we dare not presume upon, and yet the Lord has been faithful when we have made choices to trust in Him. These choices sometimes feel like leaning into scarcity: "the lean years," as my parents always say about the years when my brother and I were toddlers. Prioritizing goods and goals that demand more of us or that give less to us. The scarcity feels terrifying sometimes... and yet, it is so clear that the Lord is meeting us halfway because none of this "should have" happened.
The proper response to this kind of Providence is praise: grateful, awestruck praise.
As we approach days of change for our family--a new home, a new career, a new routine, and all the downstream "new"s that come with change--how is it that we still struggle to trust as we wait for the Lord to show up? How can we doubt His goodness, when he has so clearly and obviously carried us through this last year?
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
-Romans 8:14-17 ESV
The decisions we've made, the changes I've mentioned, are of that sort of discernment middle-ground: we don't feel a particularly strong call to these changes specifically, as if the Lord were writing a particular address on our hearts. They're also not, shall we say, linearly directed to our long-term goals, as one might expect when purchasing a home. We're taking the scenic route, you might say.
I suppose it feels like the Lord has invited us to take this step, not out of necessity or on some kind of pain of sin, but as one way for our family to achieve its telos. We are trying--desperately trying, and not always succeeding--to take each new step in the Spirit of God, with awareness of our spiritual childhood.
Which, we all know, sometimes means coming along kicking and screaming, but coming along nonetheless.
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
- Matthew 28:16-20
I loved reading
’s reflection at on Sunday morning, her thoughts on motherhood-as-discipleship, on going-when-we're-invited.It felt like she, too, was speaking to me:
"Go.
Face these changes head-on, really choose and embrace them, really lean into the ways that this new season will demand growth and trust and joy--and that yes, while challenges will come, so will moments of absolutely unanticipated delight."
Like children, we sometimes want to protest, to scream, to throw ourselves on the floor, to turn whatever we're holding into a projectile. Maybe we don't understand why the Lord would invite us to take this step, or we don't want to give up the good things we're currently receiving from Him. Maybe we're comfortable in our routine or we don't believe things could get much better. Maybe we don't believe we deserve any better.
And yet, to be a parent is to take the long view, the wide view. If we really are sons of God, then by definition we must acknowledge that He, too, can take the long view. The wide view.
We go as directed.
We worship.
And we doubt.
And in the thick of it all, the Lord is beckoning us, inviting us, sending us.
We trust that the Cross is enough to bring us to Heaven. We trust that He will help us carry it. We trust that good things are around the corner.
We just can't see it yet.
is a Catholic mom of two. Storyteller. Passionate about motherhood and family. Striving after holiness. She writes at among other Substacks, so be sure to check her out!
Tears Are Prayer Too
by
Words sometimes fail.
It’s hard to admit as someone who makes a habit of shaping words into images, thoughts, and emotion for others.
Human words sometimes fail and we have no words for the emotions we feel. No words for prayer.
No words.
When this happens it is tempting to feel helpless and alone. That only with words can our hearts’ longings and desires be heard. That somehow, only with words, can our souls’ thirst for something more true and real be realized.
After all words are powerful. They spoke us into existence. The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. It is natural that we expect much from words, and rely on them for so many things.
And yet, this body of ours with all the cogs and wheels of flesh and bone, living and breathing in these words, holds power too. So when human words fail us, when we can find no words strong enough for the emotions within ourselves - tears fall.
“you have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle! Are they not in your book?” Psalms 56:8
Recently I was reminded of how tears are powerful. In our most vulnerable moments, when words fail, when our hearts are plummeting, tears come forth. They come forth offering all that we’ve been holding onto, or holding in.
In our happiest moments, when Joy is overflowing threatening to consume us, tears fall and our heart dances. These tears speaking volumes as each falls to the earth, offering a pure Joy that cannot be put into words.
Friends I want to remind you of the value of our tears, and that when words escape us, the Lord still hears us. That is how attentive, how loving, how good of a Father we have. Even when words fail us, so closely does our Father draw near that He sees these tears and hears each prayer that they silently speak.
We may not always have words to speak in prayer, but tears are prayer too.
3 Ways to Pray without Words:
Taking a walk outside - Being present in the outdoors immediately draws us closer to our creator. From the wind blowing, to flowers dancing, clouds overhead or the sun shining above. Each exquisite experience outdoors is a chance to learn of our Father’s heart, His creativity, His whimsy and Love for us. Simply intend to walk outside seeking Him with your heart, your mind, your body and soul.
Light a Candle and Sit in Silence - This is a beautiful way to practice waiting for the Lord. This is prayer too. Train your mind to still your thoughts. In such a loud, distracting world this may be a short-lived practice at first, but over several days and weeks you can extend your ability to sit in silence, listening for the Lord. When I started doing this I could only last 1 minute, but over the years I try to do this a couple times a week and manage 5-10 minutes. Not sure what His voice sounds like? Read the Bible! This is my favorite podcast of bible readings as I can listen while keeping my hands busy.
Adoration of the Holy Eucharist - If ever there was a prayer without words it is the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Simply entering into the presence of the Eucharist, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ is an act of prayer. No words are necessary. Being present, bowing down before Him is all prayer and it is profound. If you find praying with words challenging, I invite you to this beautiful experience.
Ordinary Time meals don’t have to be boring. What I try to do, sometimes more successfully than others, is pick 1 Feast day coming up and plan a special meal around that! A lot depends on how much traveling we are doing, and our energy levels but it is always a fun time and the kids love to mark these special days with delicious food!
Some days we make a special meal for in June: Solemnity of Corpus Christi (June 2), Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 7th), The Immaculate heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (June 8th), Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24th), Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul (June 29th).
Sunday (Solemnity of Corpus Christi): Our parish in SC does a procession and picnic after the Saturday vigil mass so we will be marking this day with our parish family. Since this is a day we celebrate the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, this is a day to make a fancy family meal. I love making a Top Round roast, with roasted potatoes, carrots, a side salad, plus rolls. Setting up the table with a table cloth, candles and napkins is that extra step to really show this is a special day. Consider praying this novena as a family leading up to this day, or select one day’s prayers to say at your meal together.
Monday: Leftovers! If you’re new here you will notice I try to have leftovers often. So you can safely assume I am making enough on the day of the meal to feed my family of 5 for 2 days.
Tuesday: Homemade Pizza! This is a favorite in our house, though admittedly we haven’t done this frequently since our latest move. It’s super easy to prep for in advance. I like this pizza dough recipe as you can freeze it, and pull it out later to use. Chop whatever veggies, meat, etc. that you like on your pizza, place in separate bowls, have pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella at the ready and go to town making individual pizzas for your family!
Wednesday: Stuffed Peppers - I really like these as they are so easy and filling. For our family of 5 I make 10 green peppers. De-seed your sweet peppers, and steam them until just soft (DON’T over steam them, you still want them slightly crispy but partially steamed so they are fully cooked when you’re done). I use 1 lb of Ground Beef, browned and seasoned with favorite seasonings (I like to use taco seasoning). Set aside. Cook 2 cups of rice and set aside. 1 can of black beans and roughly 1 cup of shredded cheese. Set oven to 350F. Once peppers are steamed, start scooping in filling while oven is heating. I like to layer my filling. Starting with 1 spoonful of beef, then rice, then beans then top with cheese and set in a prepped casserole dish. Cook in oven until cheese is melted!
Thursday: Leftover buffet - one of my favorite ways to use up meat meals before Friday!
Friday : Grilled Salmon w/Lemon Butter, grilled sweet potatoes, grilled zucchini (from our garden!!)
Saturday: Leftovers again!
Little Mustard Seeds
Each newsletter I like to share a few favorite things that have blessed me as a mom, homemaker, and woman. The links in this newsletter are unaffiliated unless I say it’s an affiliate link.
Safety Razors - If you’re of a certain age you probably already know all about these razors but for those of us that grew up only knowing of disposable razors a safety razor has been a game changer for me! I kept getting irritation and in-grown hairs, which were both painful and looked awful! This kind of razor has all but eliminated that issue for me. This is the kind I use.
Vineyard - It is a new kind of platform for Catholics. A place of respite from the noisy world of mic-drops, and extremism that Social Media can cultivate. Instead, Vineyard is a place for Catholic creatives, writers and thinkers to come and share the Good, True and Beautiful elements of our faith. As a consumer, you would get 6 articles each day, geared towards what you enjoy reading, allowing you to truly soak in what you’ve read, ponder it and grow in your faith. It’s all the nuggets of SM without the doom-scroll. I am so excited to be creating in this space and want to invite you to join us over there!
Prayer Habit
“Prayer is oxygen for the soul” - St. Padre Pio
If you’re up for the challenge I’d like to encourage you to pray a specific kind of prayer for the month. I hope the fruits borne of this habit bless you!
Since it is the month of June and this month is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I wanted to share the Novena of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Now the word Novena comes from the Latin word Novem, which means “nine.” A novena is a prayer recited for 9 days, consecutively. There are many different kinds, each with a different devotion.
Sacred Heart Novena
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
O my Jesus, you have said: 'Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you. ' Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of...... (here name your request) Our Father... . Hail Mary... . Glory Be to the Father...
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O my Jesus, you have said: 'Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. ' Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of...... . (here name your request) Our Father... Hail Mary... . Glory Be To the Father... .
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O my Jesus, you have said: 'Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away. ' Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of... . . (here name your request) Our Father... . Hail Mary... . Glory Be to the Father...
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours.
Say the Hail, Holy Queen and add: St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.
Whatever verses were skipped in the reading, I didn't necessarily pay attention to, so some of this might be technically context-to-the-readings.
James writes, "life and death are in the power of the tongue". Can be such an unruly member of the body. Our words, our confession mean everything. Thank you for sharing!