Do You Know MOPS?
Just about a year ago I wrote a post that suggested that in many ways, it’s harder than ever to be a mom. This isn’t to underestimate the effort most dads make to share more of the work at home; it’s simply to recognize that today’s moms not only balance responsibilities at home but also regularly carry another set of responsibilities at work, and often do all this at a distance from their family support systems.
After reading that post, one reader introduced me to MOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers – and suggested that my article was one more reason why churches should strongly consider opening a chapter. With all the best intentions of sharing that advice with readers, I was shocked to realize that a whole year had gone by and I’d not yet written on MOPS.
So here it is, starting with the encouraging first words on their website:
What is MOPS?
MOPS is a grassroots movement that believes moms are world influencers.
We also believe that incubating hearts and giving just-because-hugs can change the course of history. That’s why we connect moms all over the world to a community of women, in their own neighborhoods, who meet together to laugh, cry and embrace the journey of motherhood. MOPS groups are rallying women to be more honest, to feel more equipped and to find our identity by journeying along side one another.
We are moms, and we believe that better moms make a better world.
Though from what I can tell MOPS seems slightly tilted to stay-at-home moms and often seems to be hosted by churches somewhat more conservative than my mainline Lutheran tradition, I’m a huge believer in getting as many resources as possible to readers…and in this case especially to moms. So if you’re interested, check out the MOPS site, and if you know other resources that seek to support moms in their multiple vocations, please let me know in the comments below.
Note: Thanks to Rebekah for pointing me in this direction…and for infinite patience!
Thank you, David, for your recommendation of MOPS as a ministry that pastors and other congregational leaders might want to consider. Like you, I can’t believe a year has flown by since I sent you the message about MOPS. Time does fly.
On another topic, but related to your blog, the adult Sunday school class of which I am a part is working its way through the book of Luke. I’ve started sending links to your posts as background reading during the week. Your words go well with David Tiede’s commentary on Luke-Acts that our teacher is using. Thank you for providing this great resource for folks like us.