Fear Stole My Joy

No matter how excited you are to become a mom, learning you’re pregnant can bring a lot of anxiety, fear, and stress. Carol was struggling with prenatal depression when a counselor referred her to One by One for help.

We matched Carol with Melani, a mom, businesswoman, and mentor who helped alleviate Carol’s worries so she could experience the wonderful joy of being a mom. Carol says, “I was consumed with depression, anxiety, and fear of being a new parent. Melani has been an excellent mentor, and, more importantly, she has been a listening ear as I navigate becoming a new mom.”

Melani is happy to have been that listening ear for Carol. She says, “A major way I’ve been able to help Carol is simply being there to listen and not pass any judgement. The Holy Spirit guides my words to enable me to lift her up and remind her of the love of Christ and to cast our cares onto Him. I so glad that she feels comfortable enough to open and share her deepest thoughts and concerns. ”

Melani says she and Carol have visited One by One’s “mentor closet” several times so Carol could pick up a supply of diapers, wipes, clothing, and teething rings. Melani has also helped Carol in her job search as she has been pursuing opportunities to work outside the home.
Carol’s baby recently turned one, and she says, “Looking back, I felt like the FEAR of being a parent was stealing my joy of motherhood. Knowing that my mentor navigated similar situations and seeing her thrive at balancing her career, home, and being a mom gave me hope that I would slowly get the hang of motherhood. Listening to the wisdom and the perspective of an experienced mother was super helpful in growing my confidence in motherhood. “

Carol’s baby is a flourishing one year old. Melani says, “Carol wants to be the best mom she can be for her baby, and she has embraced all the lessons and activities in the One by One baby book. There are facts and information I’ve learned that I can share and we can talk about.” Carol adds, “The information Melani shared about relevant baby milestones helped me understand my daughter and set up educational activities for her. I’m very grateful for her mentorship and wisdom.”

Melani is also happy to be share her faith with Carol. “When we first met, Carol had not been attending church regularly and wasn’t pleased with one she had been going to. Her husband had not been attending either. Today, Carol and her husband attend church weekly. Carol was recently baptized, and her baby was dedicated in the church. It brings me great joy to see Carol’s desire to know the Lord increase each time we meet.”

Carol adds, “I recently came across a Bible verse that made me think of Melani: “train the young women to love their…children” (Titus 2:3-5). It just made me think of how the Lord wanted experienced mothers to help mentor the new mothers in helping raise their children in God’s love and find joy in motherhood.”