Podcast Summary: "Midnight Moms: How Chicken Nuggets Built a 1.6M+ Community"

Podcast: GPS: God. People. Stories.
Host: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (Jim Kirkland & Kristi Etheridge)
Guests: Becky Thompson and Susan Pitts (Founders of Midnight Mom Devotional)
Date: August 6, 2025 (originally aired July 2022)

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the inspiring story of Becky Thompson and Susan Pitts, the mother-daughter duo behind "Midnight Mom Devotional"—a Facebook community of over 1.6 million moms united in nightly prayer. It unpacks how a simple, heartfelt post about chicken nuggets transformed into a sprawling ministry, the importance of vulnerability and prayer in motherhood, and the role faith played in guiding their journey.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Birth of "Midnight Mom Devotional"

• Origin Story:
  • Becky, feeling isolated as a young mother, sought online community by sharing honest updates and prayers on Facebook during sleepless nights ([03:13]).
  • Many moms responded with their own prayer needs, prompting Becky to invite her mother, Susan, to help pray for them ([03:55]).

    “There are these women. They're sharing their hearts. I can't have them feel like no one is seeing their comments. Will you come and pray with me nightly in the comment section?" —Becky ([03:55])

• Early Growth:
  • Becky and Susan spent hours nightly responding to and praying for the mothers who reached out.
  • Susan shares:

    "These women, they're out there…they need support because the night is dark and lonely. But God's presence doesn't leave us just because everybody else goes to sleep." —Susan ([04:27])

The Viral "Chicken Nuggets" Post

• While Becky was handling a newborn, Susan posted a prayer for moms who feel guilty about serving chicken nuggets or letting their children watch too much TV ([05:00]).
• That relatable post went viral, bringing in 200,000 new followers in a single week ([05:37]).

  “I sat there and watched it go viral… we were getting 40,000 a day… God is shining a light on this, and we cannot ignore this.” —Susan ([05:37])

• This became the inflection point from a simple prayer ministry to a global community.

Deep Roots & God's Plan

• Susan reveals she was praying for mothers at night herself decades ago, when Becky was a baby, standing at her back door looking at a cross in the distance ([06:09]).
• A moving journal entry from Susan, written when pregnant with Becky, prayed that her child would be “a testimony to your love and power to sustain parents, especially moms, through hard times and trials” ([06:47]).
• That prayer was fulfilled in an unexpected and beautiful way.

Community Building & Safeguarding

• Ongoing Roles:
  • Becky and Susan now co-write the nightly devotionals, aiming for every prayer to help women feel seen and connected ([07:43]).
  • Susan acts as “mama bear,” keeping the space positive and safe:

    “We will hold your hand and walk with you through tremendous pain, but we will not allow someone to come in and to diminish that for you or to diminish your story.” —Susan ([08:19])

Faith & Personal Testimony

• Both women have personal relationships with Jesus that deeply infuse their ministry:
  • Susan’s faith began at age 8 while watching Billy Graham on TV ([09:11]).

    “He presented the gospel in a way I had never heard before… I just prayed and asked the Lord to come into my heart. And he did. And my life has literally never been the same.” —Susan ([09:11])

  • Becky describes faith as ever-present in the home:

    “It was almost as if God was just a member of our family and we were a member of His." —Becky ([09:48])

The Power of Persistent Prayer

• Both guests emphasize prayer as the anchor of their lives and ministry ([11:16]-[11:45]).

  “All we've done is try to be a good steward of what he's given to us.” —Susan ([11:45]) “Even the simplest whispers of our heart to God can be the most effective… All you have to say is the name of the Lord, and He comes." —Becky ([11:45])

Addressing World Events through Prayer

• Midnight Mom Devotional responds to both personal struggles and global crises with specific, timely prayers ([12:15]).
  • Example: After tragedies like the Uvalde shooting or during the Ukraine war, Becky and Susan fasted and prayed, then crafted prayers that reflected the community's need for comfort and hope ([13:01]).
• Community is at the heart:

  “We are not just a page that says we pray. We are a page that believes in talking to the one true God together… even on social media, there I am in their midst.” —Becky ([13:41])

Advice on Building Community

• Susan encourages listeners to start small, be authentic, and use their voices:

  "Just do it honestly… Please share your heart. Please engage the people that you know and let God expand it." —Susan ([16:12])

• Becky's advice:

  "God has given us this amazing tool to share not just the gospel, but the power of community… Life is always better when we live it together. Go for it. And know that your community is waiting for you to decide to begin it." —Becky ([16:41])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Prayer and Impact:

  "All you have to whisper is your heart, and he's already there with everything you need." —Becky Thompson ([11:45])

• On Community Care:

  “We do not allow any of the vitriol, the ugliness to come in…women can come there and feel safe…” —Susan Pitts ([08:19])

• On Personal Calling:

  "I remember praying that this baby would be a blessing to moms and parents… the Lord knew you were going to minister to parents and especially to moms." —Susan Pitts ([07:09])

• On Sharing a Mission:

  “We always say that our mission is to support mamas in their journey of motherhood through prayer.” —Susan Pitts ([12:29])

• Encouragement to Listeners:

  "Your community is waiting for you to decide to begin it." —Becky Thompson ([17:03])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:13] Origin of Midnight Mom Devotional: Becky's loneliness and online outreach
• [05:00] The viral “chicken nuggets” prayer post
• [06:47] Connection to Susan’s decades-old prayer journal
• [08:19] Creating a safe and supportive online space
• [09:11] Susan’s faith story (inspired by Billy Graham)
• [11:45] Stewarding the ministry and the power of "simple" prayer
• [12:29] Responding to world events (Uvalde, Ukraine) through prayer
• [13:41] On building authentic prayerful community online
• [16:12] Becky and Susan's practical advice for starting your own online community
• [17:47] Mention of the parallel "Midnight Dad Devotional" group

Further Resources

• Facebook Group: Midnight Mom Devotional (and Midnight Dad Devotional)
• Books: Midnight Mom Devotional and Midnight Dad Devotional
• More info & links: Provided in show notes
• Learn about faith: findpeacewithgod.net
• Prayer Line: 855-255-PRAY

Closing Reflection

The episode is a moving testament to how everyday vulnerability, a simple act of prayer, and the willingness to obey a spiritual nudge can create ripple effects far beyond what one could imagine. Becky and Susan’s authentic, faith-filled approach reminds listeners that community—whether virtual or in-person—starts with sincerity, prayer, and a heart willing to reach out, even in the dark.