In a reel shared by Ascension Press and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Father Mark-Mary Ames presents an all-too relatable scenario:
“I’m a mom, a wife, I’ve got four kids under six. I’m just like really struggling with laziness. I’m really struggling with sloth, I’m really struggling with discipline. I’m really struggling with gluttony…”
He asks, “Are you tired?”
Then continues,
“The proposed answer is like, I am slothful: I need to work harder. I am gluttonous: I need to be more disciplined.”
“Where are you going to pull that strength from?”
As if he is speaking directly to the many women feeling this way in motherhood, he adds,
“You don’t have any extra gas in the tank. You’re really tired. Is there a way to get some more rest?”
He acknowledges that that may not be the answer or even possible during this particular season of life.
Father Mark-Mary then poses a profound question to viewers:
“Are you allowing the Lord to just love you in your poverty and in your givingness?”
The reel caption reads,
“Even in your exhaustion, God is ready to love you right where you are.”
Based on the comments, a lot of women needed to hear this exact message–myself included!
“Wow, feeling like you’re talking directly to me, especially since I have 4 under 6. And feeling all these things. Happy to have y'all here @cfr_franciscans”
“Have you been overhearing my confessions for the last 10 years? 😂😭”
Another woman said,
“The merciful priests who hear my confessions are always like this and it makes me feel so loved, seen, and totally changes my propensity to be really hard on myself. 😭 Thank you.”
And another admitted,
“I need to see this tonight! Nothing else I see on my phone can come close to this! Time to put my phone down, ponder this amazing nugget of a video, and get some sleep. 🔥❤️”