Every season of life brings new goals and challenges that require adaptation and patience. As a 25-year-old married mom of one and full-time doctoral student, I can attest that life doesn’t stop throwing challenges, it simply changes their form. This year has been particularly challenging for me and my family. On March 1st, my husband and I were having dinner at my in-laws, when we received a call that a transformer at our house had blown and started a fire in our yard. We immediately rushed home. Thankfully, firefighters put out the fire before it reached the house, but as we were assessing the damage, a power surge sent 14,000 volts of electricity through the entire house. By the grace of God, the house did not burn down, the dogs, were okay, and nobody was hurt. However, anything that was plugged in was likely ruined, and while we could stay with my in-laws, the reality of being effectively homeless with a seven-month-old hit hard. 

March 1st began a six-month period that would be the most difficult my family has faced so far. My father-in-law (our landlord) needed to start repairs, insurance fights would commence, and the realization that we needed to find a home set in quickly. However, we are incredibly blessed to be surrounded by family. In addition to this, we have a large, supportive network of friends and church family. On August 27th, we closed on our first home and officially closed the last chapter. It is now time for a new chapter, with new memories, new challenges, and new lessons. 

While the last six months were far from “normal,” incredible blessings and lessons have emerged that highlight various ways God can work in our lives. While chaos was unfolding in my personal life, so many fun developments were happening in my social life. One friend had a baby, another announced a pregnancy, and my best friend from high school moved back to town with her family of three littles. Suddenly, I went from feeling like my husband and I were the only ones in our current stage of life, too feeling like I was a part of a connected community of new, young moms. 

At a time when I needed something to ground me – God provided. 

When I was struggling as a first-time mom – God provided. 

When it felt like we had lost everything and were starting from scratch – God provided. 

Now it’s my turn. 

How can I use the experiences I’ve had and challenges I’ve faced this year to provide for and serve others? Before March 1st, I was living in survival mode. Day-to-day, it was care for the baby, clean the house, cook dinner, do schoolwork, then go to bed. There was no time or energy left over for anything or anyone else. That is not a healthy way to live life, and it is certainly not the way to live the faith as we are called. We are called to love and serve those around us. Doing so righteously entails loving through actions and showing our faith and love to others (1 John 3:18). Experience is a valuable guide for understanding how to live this out. 

In this stage of life, use your experience to uplift and encourage those around you. Be a light and safe haven for your network. Proactively reach out and connect with friends and family (especially if they are new or soon-to-be moms!). Sometimes we don’t know we needed help until after we’ve gotten it. Jesus gives us a great example of this in John 5:1-9. Jesus asked the man at the pool of Bethesda if he wanted to be healed, but the man only replied that he couldn’t get into the water in time. He thought just needed assistance getting into the water, but Jesus knew that he needed more. How can we follow this example?

Do you have a new mom in your congregation or friend group? Start a meal train. They already have one? Send a package of energy drinks (or coffee) with your meal. They need someone to come watch the baby for a bit? Wash the dishes in the sink while you’re there. Look for moments to offer help in areas others may not see for themselves. 

Jesus was often watchful and attentive, actively looking for opportunities where love and service could show God’s light. He initiated a conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), he took initiative to feed the 5,000 instead of sending them off (Mark 6:30-44), he healed a blind man who (as far as the record shows) did not specifically ask to be healed (John 9:1-7), and he quietly washed the disciples’ feet before his crucifixion (John 13: 1-17). These examples show that our service to God and others should be intentional and prioritized, even in the midst of our busiest seasons. In Mark 6, Jesus and the apostles were trying to escape the crowds because they were so busy they hadn’t even been able to eat. Instead, Jesus ended up teaching all evening and feeding 5,000 men. Busyness cannot be an excuse to deprioritize service.

As I have had time to step back and reprioritize my life, I realized that it is too easy to make serving God a convenience. Especially in this busy chapter of life, it could be easy to use the baby or school as excuses to miss church functions, neglect social gatherings, or deny help to others who may need it. This is not what we are called to do. We are members of the same body, and each member needs support (Romans 12:4-5). When we feel weak or face challenges, God provides support through our networks and his word. It is our responsibility to reciprocate when others are in need. Everybody faces challenges at some point in their life. If you have faced a trial, you know what you needed to get out of it. Be that support for someone else. Alternatively, if you are in a stage of life where you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or alone, reach out! Women are to support and encourage one another with wisdom and kindness (Proverbs 31:26; Titus 2:3-5). Reach out to anybody and everybody with whom you feel comfortable sharing your stresses. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.

When the church is filled with women who are looking for opportunities to serve and uplift one another, an incredible community can emerge where young women and young moms feel supported and empowered. It is an amazing reciprocal relationship in which we care for one another. Life’s challenges will never stop; they will simply change. Create the kind of community that will equip yourself and your network to adapt to life’s challenges and support the continual development of your faith, friendship, and service to God. 

Building a supportive community takes intention, but the rewards are immeasurable. Just as my family faced unexpected trials and months of uncertainty, we also experienced the incredible ways God provides through community, support, and love. Reach out, lend a hand, and be present for those around you. In doing so, you create a network of faith, friendship, and service that can weather any season of life, strengthen resilience, and have a lasting impact for God’s glory. 

About the author: Allison Hill is a devoted Christian, mother, doctoral student, and wife who strives to live a life of purpose, faith, and service. As a mother to her one-year-old son, Asher, she embraces the joys and challenges of parenthood with patience, love, and intentionality. Married to her husband, Hunter, since December 30, 2020, she values building a home grounded in love, encouragement, and spiritual growth. Her Christian faith inspires her to serve others and lead with compassion. Through her studies, work, and family life, she embodies the belief that with faith, dedication, and love, it is possible to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually while nurturing a life full of purpose.

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Re'Elle Crowell

Re'Elle Crowell is a member of the Garriott Road Church of Christ in Enid, OK. Currently she is attending college for a degree in accounting. She has been writing for CYFC for several years. She is the sensei of the Shodin Ji Do Karate school in Enid, OK. Some of her hobbies are Bible study and journaling. Her goal is to continue learning and growing in the Lord while helping others do the same.

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