When I was pregnant, I worked at a home goods store until I lost my job. I had a friend who worked in facilities at Gateway, and he helped me get hired there. After my three-month maternity leave, I started working the community nights at church. Another co-worker of mine introduced me to Suzanna. When she heard about my newborn baby, she suggested Embrace Life and encouraged me to try it. And I was like, you know what? Why not? I'm a single mom, and I don't know what I'm doing, so I decided to join, and since then, I've never left! I come back every semester.
My pregnancy was tough because I lost most of my friends. I didn't enjoy pregnancy at all– I was depressed most of the time. Once I gave birth, it was difficult getting used to not sleeping, and my daughter cried a lot. It was hard for me. That's why I'm so thankful for Embrace Life. It's been three years since I joined, and I just keep coming back. Maddie, my leader, just made me feel so comfortable, and it's so helpful having mom friends. Being able to go to them for anything– from prayer requests to suggestions on places to take our kids– is so helpful to me. It's such a supportive environment. We've created true friendship with each other.
Embrace Life has also inspired me to get closer to God. I grew up in a Christian household, so I believed in God, but I wasn't close to Him. Sometimes, someone will send Bible verses to our group chat, inspiring me to pick up my Bible and start reading. Now, I keep my Bible and my journal on my vanity. Before Embrace Life, I didn't read my Bible as often, let alone keep multiple in my home! So it's beautiful to see these changes in me. It's not only making a difference in my life but in my friends as well. I have a co-worker who I found out had a 3-year-old daughter, and I told her about Embrace Life, and now she attends too!
Find a place of belonging in a support group for moms with unexpected pregnancies or single, young moms and dads.
