A Fierce Flourishing

Frizzy, unwashed hair. Comfy clothes… Okay, pajamas at 3pm. Shoulders tense from holding the crying baby while navigating the empty stroller. Cold macaroni and cheese for lunch… Again. Did I brush my teeth today? This is the picture of surviving mommyhood. And we all know what this feels like, amen? Granted, some days, this very same picture is also the picture of success. Maybe in spite of the tense shoulders and inability to escape to the bathroom alone, we managed to hold it together, modeling patience and grace, chasing two butterflies and one squirrel, and reading all of the books with all of the funny voices. A good day, yes. Thriving, maybe. Fiercely flourishing… maybe not.

This year’s MOPS theme, “A Fierce Flourishing” is drawn from Isaiah 55. In this passage of Old Testament prophecy, Isaiah paints a picture of creation itself redeemed and celebrating the joy, peace, and wholeness of redeemed mankind. “The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!” As the curse of harsh land and thorns is lifted, “Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up.”

While this picture is of future redemption, it reveals a latent capacity for joy, peace, and celebration that we can tap into now. But how? A few verses prior, Isaiah paints a parallel between the falling rain bringing life to the earth and the Word of God bringing life to His people. First and foremost, the message of Isaiah is that we would come to God with our thirst and our unrighteousness and that we would find satisfaction, compassion, and abundant pardon. It is from the foundation of that abundance, not from a list of things accomplished or angry words held in until the little ones are in bed that we find our God-given capacity for A FIERCE FLOURISHING.  

MOPS International unpacks this fierce flourishing as “a deep-in-your-guts experience of gratitude and hope compelling you to raise your hands and dance freer than you ever have before. It is a fierce protection of your most important moments, an invitation to rest and an opportunity to enjoy the people who are right in front of you.” This year, we are going to chase after this fierce flourishing together, as we learn through speakers at the front, discussions at our tables, playdates on the weekends, and even some pretty spectacular special events! It is our prayer that your experience with God and with MOPS this year transforms even the most ordinary moments into opportunities to embrace rest, notice goodness, and celebrate lavishly!

Heather Fenton is a Christ-follower, devoted wife, and mama to four littles who give her plenty to write about, but little time to sit down and write.