Sandee Macgregor

Blessings, encouragement, leadership, motherhood, mothers and daughters, Parenting

A Community of Mothers and Daughters

Sandee Macgregor / June 25, 2023

Many years ago, I read a book by Francis Chan called Multiply (you can read a quick review here), in which the author encourages us to multiply our efforts for God’s glory. It inspired and moved me, and the ways in which I saw these principles unfold in my community in the time that followed astound me to this day.

Back when my two sons were entering high school, and I was still homeschooling my girls, I realized that they were growing up and time was going by too quickly. I was in the middle of a unique window when all my girls were together at home, but I knew this time was short. It seemed like I was constantly hearing the phrase: “Your days are long, but years are short,” and it caused me a lot of unnecessary anxiety about how I was managing my time. I did not want to cave into the negativity those words provoked in me, so instead, I used them to spur me on to do something meaningful.

I created a mother/daughter group for my girls, their friends and their moms to build community and celebrate life together, studying God’s Word creatively. I called the group Girl Talk!, and we gathered, ate delicious food, got crafty, and established friendships and connections that I still cherish to this day. It was such a joy to see how it all unfolded, and part of my devotional for mothers and daughters was birthed through this process!

Fast forward quite a few years, and a dear friend of mine who was also a part of this original mother-daughter group shared with me that her husband wanted to replicate something similar for himself and his preteen son. He ended up starting a group with other fathers to prepare their sons for what was to come as they began to enter high school. Topics ranged from social media bullying to fear and anxiety, to God’s design for sex, to friendships, and more. My friend saw how successful and beneficial the preparatory nature of this group was and wanted to do something similar with her youngest daughter. And that is precisely what unfolded in the fall of 2022.

She brought together a group of moms–of which I was a part–, and we had our first meeting at a Tim Hortons, followed by many gatherings at church where we prayed, sang, ate delicious food, and encouraged one another. All of these women have become such a special gift to me, and although Katie did not know all of the girls at first, by the end of the year, they had bonded beautifully.

We continued to meet each week over the course of a year, dividing up the teaching between us for each session. We wanted to share our collective wisdom and experiences with our daughters to let them know that they are loved and cared for by a God who created them, and that they’re surrounded by a community of others who sincerely want to connect with them, know them, and love them dearly. But these things don’t happen overnight. It takes time, commitment, and perseverance, and in the long run it is worth it. I’m so thankful that my friend initiated this group, and I know we will continue to connect as much as we can in the coming months. (themes we covered: friendship, bullying, social media, fear and anxiety, God’s design for sex, Drugs alcohol and addiction)

Francis Chan’s words echo back to me now as I stand in awe and gratitude for the ways in which I was able to bear witness to God’s efforts multiplying through the communities in my life. I watched my daughter grow in courage, bravery, dependence on God, and create new and lasting friendships. I watched His hand stretching out to bridge the gaps between us and weave communities of faith into our lives. I watched the girls who participated in these groups become leaders in their churches and communities.

To the women and incredible young ladies in our Hold the Line 2022-2023 group, thank you! I am so thankful to have had this time with you. I have learned so much from all of you and so look forward to more adventures together! Katie and I are full of gratitude x0 More crepe cakes, please!

Maybe there is a tug on your heart as well to bring together a group of moms and daughters into your home. If there is, begin with prayer, talk with other moms about your idea, meet for coffee, share your heart, consider topics, discuss location and times, and then wait on the Lord for timing. Christ is our lifeline, and we hold onto him and he can hold us. We are never too far from his grip.

This group has been a GIFT

G – Group

I- Interaction

F- Friendship

T – Together

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.

Proverbs 27:9

How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.