I attended my first MOMCON in 2014 in Louisville with my MOPS/MomsNext group. Most of the moms in the group were also from my church, so I knew them well—we truly did life together. The theme that year was Be You, Bravely, and it couldn’t have been more timely or more poignant for the season I was walking through.
Just a year earlier, in 2013, my youngest son—then only five—was diagnosed with epilepsy, a seizure disorder that turned our world upside down. His seizures began suddenly and without warning, striking day or night, and they continued unpredictably. He was in the middle of kindergarten when everything changed. My husband, our older son, and I were thrust into a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments, tests, medications, meetings with school staff, and new challenges in every area of life—relationships, routines, and emotional wellbeing.
At the same time, my husband was struggling with alcohol abuse. What started as a fun, social habit had become a daily escape. It was a frightening and painful time for our entire family. By the time I arrived at MOMCON in Louisville, I was utterly depleted. I felt like a walking zombie—discouraged, exhausted, and barely hanging on.
And yet, even in that dark season, my walk with Jesus remained steady. I’ve known Him for as long as I can remember—since before I was even born, really. I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior at a young age and grew up deeply rooted in faith. But I was weak, worn down, and desperate for renewal. The message of Be You, Bravely gave me exactly what I needed: courage to face a future I hadn’t imagined, and trust that God would guide my steps, give me strength each day, and work all things—yes, even the hard things—for my good and His glory.
I just returned from MOMCON 2024 in Denver, and it’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since that first life-changing experience. So much life—and motherhood—has happened in that time! I am truly in awe of all that God has done in my life and in my family’s life. My husband acknowledged his drinking problem, sought help, and has been sober for nearly six years. Our marriage has been restored and is stronger than ever. My youngest son is now 17 and has undergone three brain surgeries to treat his epilepsy. By God’s grace, he’s currently seizure-free—over 16 months and counting! And our oldest son has been a steady, loving presence through it all. This is Wild Hope.
God is so good. He is faithful. He was moving, working, and doing something new even in the wilderness of those last ten years. I see it now—it looks different than I thought it would, but it is beautiful. There is hope—always hope.
Thank you, MomCo, for the work you do and the ministry you pour into moms like me. Thank you for being a lifeline when I needed one the most. Being part of MOMCON this year was a full-circle moment I will never forget.