Embrace Grace Leader

Linda’s Story

Leader
Every story matters. When I allow God to work through me, the Holy Spirit lets me see each mom through His lens, and it's really changing me. 

Before I became an Embrace Grace leader, I wanted to serve in ministry, but I didn't know how to make it happen. I had two boys who were five and two, and my husband worked the second shift, so I always had the kids with me–we didn't have childcare. Then, I joined a women's group, and they kept saying, "You're supposed to be doing something with children," and I was like, "Really??". I went to school to be a teacher, but I found out I didn't have the patience for it. But then one of the ladies pointed me towards Embrace Grace; I looked into it and decided, yes, this is what I'm supposed to be doing. 

At the time, I was really seeking God for my purpose because I felt like I didn't have one. So when I found out about Embrace Grace, there was no question about it– that's what I was called to do, so I believed my life would fall into place with it. When God calls you to a thing, you must make time for it. People often say, "I have to go to work," similarly, I know that Embrace Grace is something I have to be a part of. My husband and my boys know Tuesdays are my EG days!

One thing I appreciate about Embrace Grace is how easy they make it to lead a group. The curriculum comes packed with great teachings by great teachers, and the weekly videos start a discussion among the moms without me having to. The lessons really tug at their hearts to speak. I'm not necessarily a "go by the book" type of person, but I've read through all the training materials, so I can pick and choose and discern what's best for the group I have each semester. I'm not a leader who comes up with ideas easily, so having everything provided for me is very helpful. 

I've had so many beautiful moments serving our brave moms. There's a lesson in the curriculum we call "Defend." At the end of the class, we give them an opportunity to let go of the unforgiveness in their heart. The video plays a male and female voice that apologizes on behalf of whoever has hurt them–their mother, a sister, or maybe a best friend. These voices could represent their father, an ex-boyfriend– whoever they are struggling to forgive. One semester, after we played the video, I remember every single mom in the room was sobbing. My co-leaders and I just allowed them the space to grieve. We didn’t get to any of the questions in the lesson that night. We held their hands and prayed over them for the rest of the class. That moment really blew my mind. I got to witness these brave girls let go of all the unforgiveness they were holding on to. They were crying because it hurt to let it go! Sometimes, forgiveness is painful. Being able to lead them through that moment was a blessing. 

Leading Embrace Grace has taught me how to see people the way God sees them. Sometimes, we can be our own hardest critics. Usually, when you're hard on yourself, it's because you lack the ability to be gracious to yourself, which means you don't have any grace to extend to others. So each semester, as I lead these brave girls, I think to myself, this girl isn't just a drug addict. That girl doesn't have anxiety for no reason–these women are not a lost cause. That's a lie! Something happened that changed their lives. Every story matters. When I allow God to work through me, the Holy Spirit lets me see each mom through His lens, and it's really changing me. 

We are in this with you!

Find a place of belonging in a support group for moms with unexpected pregnancies or single, young moms and dads. 

Read more Embrace Grace
stories

Madison
,
Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy
Madison showed up to her first Embrace Grace group session but was unable to walk into the classroom due to overwhelming anxiety about her unplanned pregnancy. One of the leaders sat outside the group to pray and encourage her. This is her on the last day of Embrace Grace. She is ready to step into motherhood with God leading the way.
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Makenzie
,
Embrace Grace Leader
It's truly beautiful to see these moms, who initially came in worried, confused, or scared, grow into capable, strong women, accepting and loving the baby God has put in their lives.
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Mary
,
Embrace Grace Leader
He has used my story to open the door to hope and healing for several of our girls and leaders.
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Maddie
,
Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy
What I love most about Embrace Grace is that they didn't just care about my baby; they cared about me.
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Destany
,
Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy
I want my daughter to grow up in a household where you can always feel God's love. I plan to join the church and attend as often as possible, even after the semester ends.
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Shanese
,
Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy
When God said, "I'll take care of you," He already had Embrace Grace in mind. He worked out everything for my good.
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Desiree
,
Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy
Embrace Grace showed up for me and my children. I cannot imagine where I would be if I didn't have this amazing support network.
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Deshante
,
Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy
Everyone I've met has been such a blessing in my life. Embrace Grace was everything I needed and more!
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Joy
,
Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy
I'm so thankful to Embrace Grace for loving young single moms and caring for them the way God does.
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Robin
,
Embrace Grace Leader
I'm currently leading my seventh Embrace Group, and God reveals something new to me every semester! It doesn't matter how many times I go through the curriculum; there's always a revelation God gives me that pertains to my life season.
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Lindsay
,
Embrace Life Leader
When I became an Embrace Grace leader, I knew nothing about how to lead a group. But once I started, I never wanted to stop. I'm leading my third group now, and even though life is busy, I really cherish Tuesday nights with my brave girls!
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Linda
,
Embrace Grace Leader
I've had so many beautiful moments serving our brave moms. When I allow God to work through me, the Holy Spirit lets me see each mom through His lens, and it's really changing me.
View Story
Suzanna
,
Embrace Grace Leader
God is doing miracles through Embrace Grace. Seeing God work in me and through my life every semester reminds me of how much I've overcome. This experience has been so rewarding, and I'm grateful for making me more than just a teen pregnancy statistic–He is using me!
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Brooke
,
Single Mom
Embrace Life truly helped me grow in my faith and stay connected and grounded in God.
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Bailey
,
Single Mom
My baby was unplanned by me but planned by God. He knew my child would save my life and restore my family.
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Alina
,
Single Mom
It's such a supportive environment. We've created true friendship with each other. 
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Jayden
,
Single Mom
One thing Embrace Life has helped me see is that God always provides. Putting my trust in Him has opened so many doors of opportunity for me.
View Story