#114 Embrace Your Little Way with St. Therese of Lisieux
Today, we’re delving into the inspiring life and teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux, exploring how her wisdom speaks to us as Catholic midlife women. St. Therese, also known as the Little Flower, offers profound insights that resonate deeply with the challenges and joys of our stage in life. Her "Little Way" teaches us to find holiness in simplicity and to approach our daily tasks with great love.
I want to share with you five powerful lessons we can apply to our lives from the teachings and writings of St. Therese of Lisieux.
Lesson One: The Little Way
St. Therese’s "Little Way" isn’t just a spiritual concept; it’s a practical path to holiness. She likened it to an elevator to holiness, finding that true spiritual elevation comes from embracing humility and small acts of love, rather than seeking worldly acclaim or success. St. Therese reminds us that less is often more and that simplicity and humility are crucial in our journey of faith.
Lesson Two: Trust and Surrender
St. Therese’s life was marked by profound trust in God’s plan, even amidst personal trials and suffering. She encourages us to surrender our worries and control, embracing God’s loving providence. This trust doesn’t mean being passive; it means actively choosing to believe that God is working for our good, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain.
Lesson Three: Balancing Family, Career, and Faith
Finding balance is a struggle many midlife women face. St. Therese reminds us that our daily duties, performed with love and devotion, are acts of worship. By integrating prayer and reflection into our routines, such as offering a quick prayer of gratitude while driving to work or setting aside a few moments for reflection before bed, we can find spiritual harmony amidst life’s demands.
Lesson Four: Overcoming Self-Doubt
St. Therese’s profound humility and confidence in God’s unconditional love teach us that our worth isn’t defined by achievements or societal standards. Rather, it comes from being cherished daughters of God, valued for who we are in His eyes. She encourages us to overcome self-doubt by recognizing our spiritual worth and embracing the truth that we are enough just as we are.
Lesson Five: Creating a Legacy of Love
Finally, St. Therese inspires us to create a legacy of love by passing on our faith to future generations. Whether through small acts of kindness or sharing stories of saints, we can instill values that endure beyond our lifetime. By modeling a faith-filled life and nurturing a love for God in our families, we ensure that our beliefs and values will continue to flourish in the hearts of those we touch.
I encourage you to reflect on how St. Therese’s teachings can enrich your life. Her "Little Way" invites us to find holiness in simplicity, trust in God’s providence, balance our responsibilities with prayer, overcome self-doubt, and leave a legacy of faith and love.
Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.
