Have you come across articles in a magazine or social media that don’t always paint motherhood in a positive light? What about headlines that speak about children as a burden to begrudge, rather than a gift to care for and delight in? Host Steph Neugebauer reads some disturbing headlines to begin this episode and invites LCMS Life Ministry leaders Tiffany & Kris to discuss the dangers and harm of them, while also devoting quite a bit of time to encourage mothers in their vocations. Much of it hinges on mindset – do we see parenthood and children as God’s gift to us? Scripture applies both Law and Gospel on this very issue and sets our minds on things above.

Bios:

Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor has been called by the LCMS Office of National Mission as the director of Life Ministry. She previously served the LCMS New England District as an executive focused on church worker wellness, human care and school ministries. She has also served at LCMS Recognized Service Organizations; at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and at various congregations. After a first career in business, a B.A. in Marketing and studies in an MBA program, Deaconess Tiffany received an M.A. from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne and earned a Doctor of Ministry from Bethel University. Her research is focused on congregation and family care. She is married to the Rev. Jonathan Manor, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Savior in Bedford, Mass. The Lord has blessed Tiffany and Jonathan with five children, and a granddaughter.

Kristin Freeman has served in the LCMS for more than 20 years. She is married to Alan and has two college-aged children, Holly and Samuel. Kris served as a high school Spanish and French teacher and registrar at Concordia Preparatory School (Baltimore, Md.), Spanish instructor at Towson University (Towson, Md.), teacher for Genesis Virtual Academy through Mayer LHS (Mayer, Minn.), and coordinator in the LCMS School Ministry in St. Louis, Mo. Kris now serves as manager of the LCMS Life Ministry office in St. Louis, Mo. In her free time, Kris enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at [email protected].

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.