Frances Smit
Hello!
Do you feel stressed out or alone in Catholic parenting? Do you ache the way of St. Monica for the faith of your children and grandchildren?
Could’ve, would’ve, should’ve offers us nothing. But with God, there are always ways to begin again. Every day, every moment, God offers us ways to begin afresh with new prayer, new hope.
As a children's book author, educator, catechist, and mom, I share hope and encouragement through prayer stories -- mine and others'. Because prayer is relationship with God. And relationship changes everything.
My Story
Moving to the United States with my family as a child indoctrinated me in ways to begin again. The a-b-c foreign language, never-seen-before foods, unfamiliar culture, and other-worldly attire offered sink-or-swim lessons in adapting.
When I became a parent without examples or understanding from childhood to draw upon -- from what is a tooth fairy to where Santa lives to why the Easter bunny brings a basket and what’s in said basket -- I learned by doing, making mistakes and doing again.
When I became a Catholic -- with its own language, rituals, rites and culture -- this fish-out-of-water learned by doing every wrong, asking around, and looking to others.
In baptizing me in ways of new beginnings, God shows me that every day and in every circumstance, God offers us ways to begin again.
From my many new beginnings, I learned that no matter our past shame and current pain, the God of all Wisdom extends new ways forward. The One who makes all things new offers to make us anew through relationship with Him.