“Oh well, that’s the day so far, and it’s still only noon. If this continues I will be dead by this evening! You see, at the moment, life seems so heavy for me to bear, and I don’t have the courage because everything looks black to me.”
Do you feel like you could have written that passage? It was actually written by St. Zelie Martin, the mother of St. Therese. Surprised? I was, too. This is just one of the quotes in Ginny Kochis’ wonderful new book Grace Grows in the Trenches: 5 Minute Meditations for Weary Catholic Moms.
This book is written for mothers who feel broken, weary, discouraged, and that God has given you way more than you can handle. This is for the days when you want to curl up in a ball or lock yourself in the bathroom and just give up.
While written for all Catholic moms, not just homeschoolers, Kochis is a homeschooling mom and understands how hard a road it can be. She offers Scriptural and saint quotes as well as questions for journaling. The pages are beautifully decorated, suitable for printing out and framing so that you can have visible inspiration in your home.
This is one of the most beautiful prayers in the book (and one that I can definitely relate to):
“My children can be difficult, Lord. There are days I worry all is lost. Grant me the grace to remember I am raising these children for your glory, Lord. Send your spirit upon me so that I may not lose hope.”
Grace Grows in the Trenches is a lovely, much-needed book. Kochis knows the struggle and the discouragement is real. She offers a reason to hope based in the words of God and the saints.
Grace Grows in the Trenches can be purchased on Kochis’ website at: https://www.notsoformulaic.com/product/grace-grows-in-the-trenches-5-minute-meditations-for-the-weary-catholic-mom/