Close To Home

Life for many of us has degenerated into an endless series of self-evaluations and pretense which only serve to complicate the simple fact that we are all imperfect human beings in need of forgiveness.

How much time do we waste waiting for life to happen and worrying about things that might or might not happen? Molly is challenging herself and others to live and thrive now.

What is unconditional love and forgiveness? Molly Sabourin says, "Blessed are those who rejoice in the compassion so generously showered upon them and in thankfulness respond by spreading out that same mercy like a blanket of impartiality on a world whose fragile inhabitants are in desperate need of warmth and kindness."

Just about the time you think you have one stage of your children's development figured out, they move on to the next one with all of the uncertainties and fears associated with it. This article is from the current edition of The Handmaiden magazine, published by Conciliar Press.

Life can be full of disappointments and unmet expectations especially for a young mother. Molly Sabourin finds hope in the realness of life and the stability of the Church.

As Holy Week begins, we are tempted to lament the failings of Lent. Molly is challenging herself and others to stand up again and anticipate Pascha with joy and the promise of new life!

Molly is prompted to write a letter to the baby she miscarried 9 years ago after reading the newly released book by Matushka Jenny Schroedel entitled "Naming the Child."

"My soul, my soul, arise! Why are you sleeping? The end is drawing near, and you will be confounded. Awake, then, and, be watchful, that Christ our God may spare you, Who is everywhere present and fills all things." – Kontakion from the Canon of Saint Andrew.

Molly demonstrates the importance of a husband who, while far from perfect, is at the very least devoted to his wife, to his family, and to his God. Originally published in the Winter 2009 issue of The Handmaiden.

If you're a fan of Close to Home, then you'll want to order the book. Molly Sabourin's Close to Home: One Orthodox Mother's Quest for Peace, Patience, and Perseverance can now be purchased in advance at ConciliarPress.com. Here, Molly briefly explains what prompted the book, as well as how it will expand upon her popular podcast and blog.

By becoming integrated, through communal worship and a shared partaking of the Holy Mysteries, into the larger Body of Christ, we are often times called upon to carry on our shoulders those who are struggling, and just as often to accept our need to be carried, when we are dry as bone and have nothing to give.

Thank goodness for fresh starts and new beginnings. In this New Year, Molly challenges herself and all of us to absorb life with the attitude: Thy Will – Thy Perfect Will Be Done.

What gifts are you bringing to the Savior this Nativity season?

Before you make out your list to read at the table this coming Thursday, think about those things to be thankful for that have contributed to your salvation.

Pre-occupied with your own fears, self-doubt, and petty interests? Nothing that a little tenacious elbow grease won't cure.

It is tempting to make things more complicated than they need to be when we cannot wrap our minds around a Love that's not dependent on our actions or intentions. It requires restraint to ignore our doubts and take Christ at His word.

Do you measure yourelf as an Orthodox Christian by some self imposed checklist to assure that you look the part? Molly has some insight for all of us but especially for mothers.

Our failings and inadequacies don't hold a "candle" to the Holy Flame - Glory to Thee Who Has Shown Us the Light!

We often suffer with our children when they are misunderstood or falsely accused but how is Mary shown to us as the ultimate example of love and compassion through the sufferings of her own Son?

From the pages of the current edition of The Handmaiden, Molly reflects on her patron Saint Anna.