I adore Jen Hatmaker. I’ve been a fan of hers for years. She is a fellow mom of five like me, so she understands the organized chaos that is my life. She is an apologetically scatterbrained, down to earth Christian woman — my kinda friend. Her blog, books, and social medias are filled with so much realness, bible based learning and lessons about motherhood that I really believe she is talking to me. I know, I sound like a weird stalker fan but I swear there is a point to this story.

Last year, I was blessed to be able to attend the Moxie Matters Tour with my awesome MOPS Mommas. The tour was based on Jen’s latest book, Of Moxie and Mess. It is filled with so much encouragement that we can “live undaunted in the moment no matter what the moments hold, and lead vibrant, courageous, grace-filled lives”. Throughout the entire book, I laughed out loud and cried many tears.

Mothers of preschoolers

Also, if you don’t have a group of Moms that will love on you hard, I suggest you look for your local MOPS group now — go ahead, I’ll wait. Did you find one? Did you sign up? It is worth the awkward uncomfortable first meeting, I promise! You will love having a tribe of women to supporting you. Believe me, I was never the person to say join a moms group but here I am, converted.

The female elephant

Ok, I know total tangent. Back to the story! At the end of the event, Jen shared a story about female elephants and how they safeguard each other in times of vulnerability — under attack by predators or giving birth. The females in the herd turn their backs and create a circle around the elephant who is in need of extra support. They kick up dirt and stomp to ward away predators, becoming her protectors while she is defenseless. The circle is so tight that you can’t even see the elephant in the middle. When the baby elephant is delivered, the sister elephants do two things: they kick sand or dirt over the newborn to protect its fragile skin from the sun, and then they all start trumpeting, a female celebration of new life.

What can we learn from the elephants

This is perfect illustration of how we should support each other during times of distress. We should not shame those who need help. Instead, we rally around them, close rank formation, protecting those who need it the most. Mental illness is one of the most debilitating disorders you will endure. It skews your mind into thinking the worst things about yourself and corrupting your life, one lie at a time. I urge you to stand in close rank formation around those around you who are struggling. Be that persons –bodyguard, advocate, supporter, their number one sympathizer.

The world needs more individuals who rally hard for those they care about just like the female elephants. I challenge you to be that person today for someone in your life. Call, text, or visit them today.

Mental health awareness month

The month of May is Mental health awareness month. During the next 30 days, I will be sharing how to ask for help; resources and tools in the medical community; and alternative therapies. Whether you are seeking help or are supporting someone who needs guidance finding professional support, I urge you to come back and go through the series with me.

Who can you rally around? Have you checked in on them lately?

Remember – its ok to not be ok, tomorrow is a new day! See you next week.