Hi Sarah Mae - this is a great topic that needs to be discussed. This has been a concern of mine for a very long time . . . when my older children were small, I recall much of the ongoing talk about how one mom was doing this, and another mom was doing that, and still other moms were REALLY good at something else. Over the years I became quite discouraged listening to those conversations because it seemed that I could never measure up.
Now, as an "older mom," I realize that it is just human nature to want to feel as if we are making a significant contribution to the life of our family, our church, or community. Often when those kinds of conversations are taking place, the people "in the loop" don't realize that while they are chatting innocently along about all of the wonderful things they have or they are doing . . . . that there is probably someone out there who is hearing a much different message.
I don't think it is (usually) done intentionally, but if anyone is sensitive to an area in which they feel inadequate, it is an easy "leap" from hearing someone else talk about their own accomplishments to assuming that their own significance is somehow diminished.
After all these years, I don't know what the "solution" could be - this was a problem LONG before we could project any image in our online persona that we want - but one thing I have learned is that people, all people, everywhere, every single one, will respond positively to legitimate praise, words of recognition and kindness, and a gentle "touch" of compassion - even across the miles and through the mystery of cyber space.
And then, after a relationship has been established, it is an easy transition to share with one another in ways that facilitate learning from one another. Your ministry is truly a gift, and God is using you to touch the hearts of women everywhere - and THIS is a very important topic to discuss. Thanks for bringing it up! Nina @ Ruby for Women
