Catholic Moms in the Middle

In this week's show, I explore the powerful influence of news and media on our emotional and spiritual well-being, particularly for Catholic midlife women. My guest, Pamela Hughes shares her insight and wisdom as a former morning radio talk show host in Phoenix. After decades as a journalist, Pamela left it all behind to pursue life coaching. Her experience with what happens behind the scene with reporting and her wisdom as a life coach allows her to share valuable insight on how to consume the news without living in fear or anxiety. 

With the constant bombardment of information, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and anxious. Pamela and I take a closer look at how media outlets often capitalize on fear and division, keeping us in a state of worry. However, there is hope. By staying rooted in your faith, turning to prayer, and focusing on scripture, you can find peace and perspective amid the chaos, especially now as you are bombarded with information on the upcoming presidential election.

We also discuss the importance of conscious consumption, offering practical tips on how to balance media intake with spiritual nourishment. This episode serves as a guide for Catholic women who are looking to protect their peace, remain anchored in their faith, and break free from the anxiety often perpetuated by today's media-driven world.

Click here to learn more about Pamela's coaching and to find her podcast. 

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

In this week's show, I’m joined by Lisa Flood, a wife, mom, and prayer warrior from Louisiana. Lisa shares her powerful testimony of leaving and then returning to the Catholic Church, inspired by the Eucharist on the Feast of Divine Mercy in 2008. We discuss the need for hope and trust in God, especially when facing challenges within our families and personal lives. Lisa emphasizes that true hope isn’t about expecting specific answers to our prayers, but trusting in God’s will and His greater plan for us.

We explore how to maintain hope and trust in difficult situations, acknowledging the struggle of wanting specific outcomes from our prayers. Lisa shares that the virtue of hope is not about having our prayers answered the way we desire, but about trusting that God will act according to His will. I relate to this through my own experience, realizing that it’s easy to become attached to particular outcomes instead of being open to how God might choose to answer our prayers. We need to remember that God’s plans often look different from ours, and we must trust in His timing and wisdom.

We also highlight the importance of community and support among women of faith, as well as the power of prayer, especially through Scripture. Lisa encourages us to “stand on the promises of God” and pray His Word aloud, as it has the power to transform our situations. In a world that values self-reliance, we need to rely on God and the support of our faith communities to help us trust, hope, and surrender to His will.

To register for the Nashville Magnificat meal, click here!

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

In this week's show, we’re delving into a profound topic that resonates deeply with many of us—trust. As Catholic midlife moms, we navigate a landscape marked by significant transitions and challenges. Our daily lives are filled with responsibilities and sometimes unexpected trials, making it crucial for us to lean on God’s loving goodness. The Litany of Trust is a powerful tool that can help us in these moments. It’s a prayer that encourages us to surrender our worries and fears, trusting that God has a plan for each of us, no matter the circumstances.

In midlife, we often look back and reflect on the wisdom gained from past experiences while also looking ahead, striving to make the most of the years to come. Amidst this, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of holding everything together for our families and communities. We may wonder if we’re truly trusting in God’s plan or if we’re trying to handle everything on our own. The Litany of Trust, written by Sister Faustina Maria Pia, is a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to go it alone. It invites us to let go of our fears and self-reliance, embracing instead the trust that God is with us and guiding us.

As we pray through this litany, we ask to be delivered from fears and doubts that block our ability to fully receive God’s love. Each line of the prayer addresses common struggles—whether it’s the need to earn love, anxiety about the future, or reluctance to accept God’s will. Reflecting on these lines can open us to a deeper trust in God’s goodness. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the Litany of Trust, allowing its words to touch your heart and renew your faith. Remember, you are always loved and supported by God, and He is there to guide you through every challenge you face.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world. Is this conversation helpful so far?

In this episode, I am diving into a beautiful devotion that speaks to us in a very special way as Catholic midlife women — the devotion to Our Lady of La Leche (Our Lady of the Milk). This devotion may be lesser known, but its message of nurturing, motherhood, and reliance on the Blessed Mother resonates deeply with all of us who are navigating the unique challenges of motherhood in midlife.

In this episode, I share my recent visit to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine, Florida. As soon as I stepped on those holy grounds, I felt the peace and presence of God. It was a powerful reminder of how Our Lady stands with us in every season of motherhood — from the first moments of pregnancy, through sleepless nights of nursing, to letting go as our children grow into adulthood.

As Catholic midlife women, we are often in a time of transition — perhaps letting go of children as they become more independent or even welcoming the joy (and challenge!) of grandchildren. I reflect on how Our Lady of La Leche models for us the patient, nurturing love we’re called to offer, not only to our children and grandchildren but to ourselves as well. She nurtures our souls just as she nurtured Christ — emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

I encourage you to consider: where do you need to be nurtured? As mothers, we often pour ourselves out for others, but our hearts also need restoration. Our Lady knows our struggles, whether it’s the difficulty of letting go, the loneliness of an empty nest, or the uncertainty of caring for aging parents. She invites us to bring these challenges to her, to let her lead us to her Son for healing and strength.

I share the rich history of this devotion, tracing it back to the Roman catacombs and the first Catholic settlers in St. Augustine. The story of the tiny wooden cross planted on the shore in 1565, and its magnification over time into a towering beacon of faith, reminds me that our small acts of faith can have an impact far greater than we ever realize. Like the image of Our Lady of La Leche nursing the infant Christ, our seemingly small gestures of love, sacrifice, and prayer can be magnified in God’s plan.

Whether you're in the midst of raising teens, letting go of adult children, or helping to care for grandchildren, this episode is for you. The Blessed Mother is here with us, nurturing our hearts just as she nurtured Christ. I invite you to sit with her, pray with her, and let her intercede for you in all aspects of your life as a mother, wife, and Catholic woman.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

In this week's show, we discuss the emotional and spiritual journey of letting go as a mother, specifically focusing on the bittersweet transition of releasing children into their independence. Joined by my friend and fellow life coach, Allie Hill, who authored The Girlfriend's Guide to Empty Nesting, we discuss the challenges and rewards of this significant life stage.

The conversation centers on the mixed emotions of pride and sadness that come with watching children step into adulthood. We reflect on our own experiences, highlighting the natural tension between wanting to protect and guide our children while also recognizing the need to step back and allow them to navigate life on their own. Allie shares personal stories from her book, providing practical insights on how to balance the desire to help with the necessity of letting children make their own decisions, even when it means allowing them to fail.

Through heartfelt dialogue, we explore the spiritual dimension of this journey, referencing Ecclesiastes 3 to emphasize the importance of recognizing the different seasons of life. The discussion also touches on the challenges of maintaining communication with adult children, the importance of setting realistic expectations, and the role of faith in navigating these transitions. We hope this show offers comfort, wisdom, and encouragement as moms learn to embrace the changing dynamics of their family relationships.

You can buy Allie's book, The Girlfriend's Guide to Empty Nesting by clicking here.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

In this week's show, I talk with Mary Margaret Lambert, a freelance writer from Nashville, well-known for her witty and heartfelt columns in the Tennessee Register. She’s also the author of Life is Too Short to Wear Beige, a book that speaks to the importance of living authentically and embracing the wisdom that comes with age.

Mary Margaret is someone who embodies the belief that every season of life is a time to embrace who you truly are. She has a wonderful story about refusing to “wear beige and keep quiet” at her son’s wedding—a decision that emphasizes her commitment to staying true to herself, no matter the expectations others might have. As she puts it, “You’ve got to be your authentic self, no matter what that is. At midlife, we finally learn not to live up to others' expectations.”

We began our conversation by talking about the wisdom that comes with aging. Mary Margaret believes that with time, we gain the ability to prioritize what truly matters. She shared her thoughts on the pressures of social media, which can often make us feel like we need to conform to a certain image. But Mary Margaret reminds us that “God made you unique,” and that embracing our individuality is key to living a fulfilled life.

Mary Margaret’s faith has been a cornerstone of her life, especially during difficult times. She spoke candidly about her battle with breast cancer and the challenges of caring for her husband. It was during these tough moments that her faith became her anchor. “If it hadn’t been for my faith,” she said, “I probably would have been in a straitjacket somewhere by now. You just have to rely on God.”

Our discussion then turned to the importance of female friendships. Mary Margaret, who raised three sons, found strength and support in her close-knit group of girlfriends—a group she affectionately refers to as her “bridge therapy group.” These women have been through it all together—divorces, loss, and the ups and downs of parenting. Their shared faith has been a strong bond, helping them navigate life’s challenges. As Mary Margaret eloquently put it, “God is going to send His angels to minister to you. They may come in the form of doctors, nurses, or neighbors, but they will be there.”

Writing has been another spiritual practice for Mary Margaret. She discovered her passion for it at a young age and has been sharing her insights through her longstanding column, Pinch of Faith. Writing, for Mary Margaret, is a way to process life’s challenges and find healing. This was particularly true after the loss of her father during the Nashville flood in 2010, a devastating event that she worked through by putting pen to paper. She encourages other women to explore journaling as a way to connect with themselves and with God. “Writing purges my soul,” she shared. “It gets the things troubling me out of myself and onto paper, where I can process them.”

As we wrapped up our conversation, Mary Margaret and I reflected on the beauty of midlife—the confidence that comes with experience, the deep reliance on faith, and the importance of embracing who you are. Aging with grace and gratitude, while staying open to God’s guidance, is a message Mary Margaret lives by and hopes to pass on to others.

To order Mary Margaret's book click here or if in Nashville visit St. Mary's Bookstore

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

This week, I'm so honored to have Bishop Mark Spalding from the Diocese of Nashville join me. We discuss his upcoming role as the speaker for our Magnificat meal in August, a wonderful women's ministry that brings together women from across the diocese for fellowship and inspiring testimonies. Bishop Spalding shares the significance of Our Lady of Good Success in his faith journey and the intercession of the Blessed Mother throughout his life.

In our conversation, Bishop Spalding emphasizes the importance of community and connection in each of our faith journeys, particularly for midlife women who can often feel isolated. We delve into how the Blessed Mother's intercession and the legacy of faith from previous generations that provides strength and inspiration for today's trials and struggles. Bishop Spalding offers practical advice for parents whose children have fallen away from the faith, encouraging patience, love, and the power of prayer, especially through the intercession of Saint Monica and the Blessed Mother.

We also explore the significant role women play in the Church. Bishop Spalding acknowledges the vital contributions of women in pastoral and parish ministries, stressing the importance of their wisdom, nurturing, and compassionate presence. He shares personal anecdotes about the influential women in his life and emphasizes the church's need for the unique gifts of women. As we wrap up, Bishop Spalding asks for prayers for wisdom, understanding, and courage in his leadership, reminding us of the power of intercessory prayer and the communal support within our faith. 

    Register for August 2024 Magnificat Meal in Nashville  

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

This week's guest, Sister Madeline Rose, a Nashville Dominican sister is originally from Minnesota. She moved to Tennessee and joined the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in 2015. I'm excited to discuss the Eucharist with Sister Madeline Rose, working with high schoolers she understands the challenges of getting teenagers to focus and appreciate the Eucharist. Her call to Adoration helped her grow closer to Jesus and led her to her vocation. 

Sister Madeline Rose talks about how a person's love for the Eucharist can grow over their lifetime. She recalls early memories of her godmother pointing out Jesus during the consecration at Mass, which left a profound impression on her. As she grew older, her attraction to daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration strengthened, leading to a deeper relationship with Jesus. By the time she was a high school junior, she was attending daily Mass, which helped her connect with Jesus and find strength and consolation in His presence.

The conversation also covers how as moms, we can support our children in their faith journeys. Sister Madeline Rose emphasizes the importance of patience, love, and giving children space to question and explore their faith. She suggests finding external voices to support their faith, showing the reasonableness of the faith, and being a consistent example of joy and fidelity.

Sister Madeline Rose shares how her vocation was deeply intertwined with her love for the Eucharist. Through daily Mass and adoration, she felt Jesus inviting her to a religious life. Despite initial fear and uncertainty, her consistent "yes" to Jesus led her to a peaceful and joyful acceptance of her vocation. The Eucharist and adoration provided her with the peace and strength needed to navigate her discernment process.

I love how Sister Madeline Rose highlights that Jesus's call is an invitation, and even if we say no, He will still love us. This perspective of invitation and welcoming resonates deeply. For many of us, Eucharistic adoration has become a rediscovered treasure, a place where we find peace and can hear God's voice amidst the noise of our busy lives. Sister Madeline Rose encourages us to persevere in adoration, even during dry times, and to be gentle with ourselves as we learn to be still and present with the Lord.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

I had the privilege of interviewing my dear friend Linda Hardesty, a woman of incredible strength and faith. Over the 25 years of our friendship, I’ve seen Linda endure tremendous heartbreak while always finding a way to maintain joy and gratitude. Linda’s story is one of resilience and unwavering faith, even in the face of unimaginable loss. When her daughter Brooke was tragically killed, Linda’s faith was her anchor. She recalled how, despite the heartache, she forgave Brooke's killer the very night it happened, believing that this act of forgiveness allowed God to pour graces over her and help her support her devastated husband.

Linda’s journey with faith began when she met her husband John, a Catholic. Despite not being raised in a religious household, Linda was drawn to the rituals and beauty of the Catholic Church. Over the years, her faith deepened, and when Brooke died, it was her faith that saw her through. Linda spoke of the peace she found in prayer, especially in turning to Mary, the mother of Jesus, for comfort. As she took on the role of mother and grandmother to Brooke's son, Trey, Linda’s devotion to Mary grew stronger, providing her with the strength to fill the void left by Brooke’s absence.

Trey became a source of immense joy for Linda. She cherished their time together and found solace in being a mother figure to him. Trey would light up the room even from a young age and he was loved by so many. Again, Linda experienced another devastating loss when Trey died of an overdose. Linda’s faith and the support of her family and community helped her walk through this loss. Her story is a testament to the power of faith, forgiveness, and the profound impact of love and community in overcoming life’s darkest moments.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

This week, we're diving into a profound and beautiful topic: the sacrament of the Eucharist and Eucharistic adoration. The Catholic Church has been focusing on bringing people back to the altar table, helping them understand and embrace the holy Eucharist. With the National Eucharistic Congress happening this week in Indianapolis, there's a significant effort underway to renew and deepen our faith and devotion to the Eucharist. I'll share some eye-opening statistics and discuss the National Eucharistic Revival, a multi-year effort by the US bishops to strengthen belief and participation in the Eucharist. As Catholic Midlife women it is our responsibility to share our love of the Eucharist with others, especially how it nourishes our souls and helps us in our daily life. 

As we explore the importance of the Eucharist, we'll talk about why it's often misunderstood and how it nurtures our souls. The Eucharist is not just a symbol or a remembrance of Christ's Last Supper; it's the true body and blood of Jesus Christ, present in a miraculous and mysterious way. For many of us, especially as midlife moms, the Eucharist holds a profound significance. I'll share my own journey of growing in love and understanding of the Eucharist through Eucharistic adoration and how this transformed my spiritual life. Recent statistics show that belief in the Eucharist is declining at an alarming rate. As the "source and summit" of our faith it is time for revival in our church. 

 The Eucharist offers a wellspring of grace and renewal, especially during times of trial and spiritual dryness. Let's embrace this beautiful sacrament with a renewed sense of awe and devotion, allowing it to deepen our relationship with Jesus and enrich every aspect of our lives.

 Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.