Getting alongside others is far more impactful when done in community. I know it is all too easy to become isolated and lose the vision behind what we are doing. That’s why Scripture tells us to ‘consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, … encouraging one another’ (Hebrews 10:24-25).

The NavMums has been that safe and nurturing space for me over the past five years. I have found it helpful and insightful to be part of a community of other alongsiders, who are all at different stages of motherhood. I am massively blessed that this online community has grown with me. I first attended with my two children at home with me and now, with them both at school, it continues to be a relevant space in my life as a mum. I have been able to learn from mums, grandmothers and foster mums who have children older than mine, as well as being able to welcome in mums with younger children and encourage them in the baby and toddler seasons.

Helping us grow in Christ 

At our monthly meet-ups on Zoom, I have been encouraged – as well as gently challenged – in my relationship with God. I’ve been reminded of who God is and who He says I am. These times help lift my eyes to find refreshment and satisfaction in the God who sees me and cares about all of my life – including motherhood, which is often exhausting and relentless, as well as beautiful and joyful.

Helping us know that we are Alongsiders 

In a world that often doesn’t value motherhood, I am reminded at NavMums of the truth that being a mum is disciple-making and is hugely impactful for the Kingdom. It can be so easy to forget that changing multiple nappies a day, helping with tricky homework and breaking up yet another sibling squabble are all powerful expressions of Jesus’ love for the little disciples sitting round my dining table. NavMums helps renew my mindset and remember that even the unseen, mundane, everyday tasks can be done in such a way that they not only deepen my relationship with God, but also point my children to Jesus.

Helping us overflow this vision to others 

What I hear at NavMums is far too valuable to keep to myself, so on a Monday morning my mum friends and their children come over for coffee and pastries. We play a recorded NavMums talk on a subject relating to marriage or parenting and what God has to say about it. Amid the chaos of nappy changes, feeding babies and toddler tantrums we hear God’s gentle voice speak truth to us, as we spend time with Him together. I love how God uses our parenting and married life to help us grow as disciples of Him. I have seen a couple of the ladies begin their journey of being disciples who make disciples. They are beginning to see how God has placed them in spaces to bring God’s living water there (John 7:37-38) to those who don’t know Jesus yet, whether that is on the school run, at playgroups, in the library or in their homes.

Take a moment to pause and think about the people around you – is there someone or a group of people who share the alongsider vision? Consider how you could spur one other on in this intentional vision of love. Could you book in a time to meet up to encourage each other – in Christ, as alongsiders and as vision carriers? NavMums is only a monthly hour’s Zoom call, but it has made a massive difference to my life.