Exodus from Fear: Accompanying Her to Life
Video 6
Summary
A woman struggling with the reality of her pregnancy needs someone who believes in her and in her goodness. Explore how genuine accompaniment creates the space a woman needs to make a truly free choice in love.
Scripture for Reflection
“Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. … The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’” (Exodus 14:13, 14)
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)
“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” (Psalm 118:5)
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” (Isaiah 61:1)
“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Reflection Questions
- Was there a word, phrase, or idea that resonated with me? That was new to me?
- In what ways have I tried to avoid, escape, or reject suffering? In what ways have I seen Christ bring good out of suffering?
- Sister Grace Dominic says that “no one is able to be totally self-reliant. We are made in the image of God who is communion. No person should be self-sufficient because we were made to live in community.” What are the communities I live in? How do I feel upheld and valued by my community? What would I do if those communities didn’t exist?
- Sister Magdalene says, “We try to walk through the turmoil with [women who are pregnant and struggling] – listening well, discerning the voices speaking into her life. Who are these voices? Where do these voices come from? Who is talking? Is it God? Is it the evil one? What is her heart saying? The answer is really within her heart, we just have to help her to uncover it.” Am I familiar with the dynamic of trying to discern between voices in my own heart? What are examples of times when I struggled in discerning between the voice of God, the voice of the evil one, and my own voice? When have I experienced the accompaniment of someone who was able to speak truth into spaces or situations of confusion?
- Sister Magdalene encourages us to “ask the Lord of life to place in you a supernatural love for her” (the woman with whom you are walking). Take a moment now to recall people in my life who are struggling or with whom I struggle. Ask Jesus to give you his grace to accompany them well.
- Is there a fruit from my prayer that I would like to share with others?
Discussion Questions
- Is there a fruit from your prayer that you would like to share with others?
- Sister Magdalene shares that “women who are pregnant and struggling often experience a sort of ‘flip-flopping’ in their hearts… ‘one day I want to be a mother and the next day I cannot even imagine it.’” How does this turmoil reveal the depth to which this pregnancy affects a woman’s self-understanding? How does this affect your understanding of the conditions and disposition of heart a woman needs to make a free decision? How does it prepare your heart to walk with a woman in crisis?
- We have to let God cast out our fear, too. What do you fear when serving others? In serving those who are struggling with an unexpected pregnancy? In serving others whom you find difficult?
- Sister Magdalene says that “we can be a voice of faith, believing enough in her [a woman in crisis] goodness for the both of us until she is able to make an act of faith in herself.” When have you experienced someone believing in you? How did this shape your self-understanding? How are you being called to help others believe in their goodness and in the graces the Lord is giving to them?
Videos
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Seeing Reality: The Contemplative Outlook
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Vulnerability: An Identity Crisis
A woman who is unexpectedly pregnant may experience profound vulnerability. Ponder this reality and learn how genuine accompaniment can transform fear into hope.
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Hope and Fear: Understanding the Heart of a Pregnant Woman
A woman who knows she is loved can do anything. Learn more about the fears and hopes of a pregnant woman and how to genuinely accompany her.
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6 - Active
Exodus from Fear: Accompanying Her to Life
A woman struggling with the reality of her pregnancy needs someone who believes in her and in her goodness. Explore how genuine accompaniment creates the space a woman needs to make a truly free choice in love.
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7
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Abortion can lead to a deep sense of loss and to profound emotional, spiritual, psychological, and relational pain. Explore how abortion affects the heart of a woman and how to accompany her on the journey of healing.
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9
Maternity is Forever: Adoption
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10
Listening a Person into Life: The Art of Being Present
Listening is a unique set of skills that demonstrate we understand a person’s thoughts and feelings. Reflect on the power of listening in the work of accompanying another person.
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11
Listening a Person into Life: How to Listen Well
Good listening allows us to hear what another person is really saying without applying the filter of our own experience, judgment, values, and needs. Explore the process of active listening, the five levels of listening, and common barriers to listening.
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12
Listening a Person into Life: Reflective Listening
In reflective listening we act as a mirror for the other person, helping her to uncover what is really in her heart. Explore the power of reflective listening in the process of accompaniment.