The Right Words

The Lord is our shepherd, we lack nothing. Psalm 23

No matter what words we hear or use in our lives today, God is the only one that defines us. When we live our days with Jesus as our shepherd, we will have everything we need. It is not the words in our lives today that define us, but the heart space we create for God to shepherd us. We all have different roles we play in life, cars we drive and homes we own. But none of these things define us. We are so much more than what others think of us or what society tells us we should be. It is not about what we have, who we are and what we do.

Words affect everyone, most especially our youth. Today's youth are under immense pressure from social media, making it difficult for them to differentiate between the real and the perceived judgement of the outside world. This sometimes makes is hard on us as parents to know how to navigate through these world challenges. Reinforcing positive self-talk, talking to our kids about their unique talents and qualities, and how it’s ok to be different from others can help but takes persistence. We can also share stories of Saints who have achieved great things despite societal pressures, expectations, and personal hardships.

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla was an Italian pediatrician who made a heroic choice, but it was something her family members and friends testified she prepared for every day of her life. Her heroic virtue, genuine holiness of life, selflessness, and quiet joy remind all of us that God entrusts us with a personal vocation.” (saintgianna.org).

Early in her fourth pregnancy, doctors discovered that Gianna had a tumor. Doctors gave her three choices to consider. She could have an abortion, a complete hysterectomy or removal of only the tumor with potential of future complications.

A few days before the baby’s birth, Gianna prayed for God to take any pain away from the child. She was clear about her wishes, expressing to her family, “If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate: Choose the child! I insist on it. Save the baby.” (Aleteia)

Seven months later, her daughter Gianna Emanuela Molla was born, but post-operative complications resulted in Gianna Molla’s death a week later. Gianna passed away from septic peritonitis. The only words she listened to were God’s. Saint Gianna is the first canonized woman physician and professional who was also a “working mom”.

No matter our struggles, no matter our successes, we must choose to listen to the right words. It may not be what we intended, and we may experience hardship but in the long run, God’s words are always right.

My prayer for you today is that you always know Jesus as your shepherd and feel rich in Him. May you know you are loved, valued, and lack nothing and when your day is full of words, may you only hear the ones from your Heavenly Father and rest in knowing you are His beloved child.

Together in prayer. Hand in hand.