Introduction
One of the joys of my 40-some years of counseling and sharing breastfeeding experiences has been getting to know, at least slightly, the mothers who phoned or wrote or who became personal friends. They were a regular source of inspiration for me. It was an honor to be part of their lives for a while. I decided some time ago to write their stories using the beatitudes.
The backgrounds and the experiences of these mothers varied widely, but they had in common a desire to do God’s will and to do what is best for their children. Collectively they have been like facets on a jewel. The Beatitudes are also like facets of the jewel of Christian faith. Each helps us to see a particular aspect of discipleship.
Each of these thoughts on the Beatitudes reflects in one way or another the experience of mothers I have been privileged to know. Each reflection represents the experiences or thoughts of a different nursing mother. I found their attitudes refreshing, and I hope that some small part of their jewel-like sparkle manages to get through the words that follow.
(A 30% discount is now offered on all Kippley print books at lulu through August 7 in recognition of NFP week and World Breastfeeding Week. In addition, Sophia is offering a 25% discount on Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood through August 7. The code for this discount is “motherhood.” Ignatius Press is offering Sex and the Marriage Covenant for only $6.00 through August 31.))
To be continued daily during World Breastfeeding Week.
Sheila Kippley
Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood