Podcast Summary: EP 70 - A Mother's Prayer
Title: In Totality with Megan Ashley
Host: Megan Ashley
Guest: Yvette (Megan's Mother)
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Introduction
In this heartfelt Mother's Day episode of "In Totality with Megan Ashley," Megan is joined by her mother, Yvette, to explore the profound journey of motherhood intertwined with faith. This conversation delves into personal struggles, spiritual growth, and the unwavering bond between mother and daughter, all anchored in a deep commitment to living a life wholly devoted to God.
Early Life and Faith Formation
Yvette’s Background:
Yvette shares her upbringing in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, one of the oldest all-Black towns established post-slavery. She highlights the town’s rich history and her upbringing in a community of educators, which instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and faith.
Spiritual Awakening:
Despite being raised in an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church, Yvette felt a deep, natural inclination toward the Holy Spirit and sought a more profound relationship with God. Her spiritual journey intensified after moving to Ohio, where she and Megan's father joined a new church community, leading to her eventual full surrender to the Lord.
Notable Quote:
"I always wanted more [from God], and my heart really wanted to know Him." — Yvette [12:08]
Motherhood and Personal Struggles
Early Motherhood:
Yvette discusses the challenges of being a young, single mother. After discovering she was pregnant with Megan, she made the difficult decision to leave Megan's father to provide a stable environment for her daughter. This period was marked by intense responsibility and spiritual searching.
Dealing with Anxiety and Fear:
Yvette admits to profound fears and anxieties about Megan’s well-being, especially when Megan was a teenager. She recounts moments of deep concern, such as watching Megan sleep to ensure her safety, and the internal battles she faced, feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising her child alone.
Notable Quote:
"I felt like I couldn't get through. I want you to understand that this is not the time to be hard on her. It's the time to just love her through it." — Yvette [50:08]
Navigating Mental Health and Spiritual Support
Coping with Depression:
During Megan’s teenage years, Yvette sought help from counselors and psychiatrists to support her daughter through episodes of depression and suicidal thoughts. She reflects on her own struggles with menopause and how hidden personal battles affected her ability to connect fully with Megan during these trying times.
Importance of Community and Accountability:
Yvette emphasizes the necessity of community support and accountability in overcoming personal struggles. She recognizes her own pride as a hurdle and acknowledges the importance of seeking help and maintaining open, honest communication with her children.
Notable Quote:
"You need community so that you could really have people to help you." — Yvette [61:23]
Lessons in Faith and Relationship with God
Faith as a Foundation:
Faith is presented as the cornerstone of both Yvette’s and Megan’s lives. Yvette describes how her relationship with God guided her through every challenge, offering strength and wisdom. She underscores the importance of prayer, fasting, and reading Scripture to discern God's voice and maintain a close relationship with Him.
Teaching by Example:
Yvette highlights the significance of modeling humility, repentance, and accountability for her children. She shares instances where she had to apologize to Megan, demonstrating vulnerability and teaching her daughter the value of humility and maintaining a Christ-centered life.
Notable Quote:
"Everything I do is guided by a relationship with Him because they belong to Him." — Yvette [38:37]
Overcoming Adversity Together
Strengthening the Mother-Daughter Bond:
Throughout the episode, Megan and Yvette discuss how their shared faith and mutual support helped them navigate difficult times. Yvette admits to moments of wanting to "fix" Megan but learns to trust God’s plan and support her daughter through prayer and spiritual guidance.
Transformation Through Trials:
Both Megan and Yvette acknowledge that their relationship and individual faith were profoundly shaped by the adversities they faced. Yvette credits God for delivering them from dark times and reinforcing her role as both a mother and a spiritual mentor.
Notable Quote:
"He is a keeper, He is a keeper." — Megan [83:57]
Conclusion
This episode of "In Totality with Megan Ashley" offers a deep and honest exploration of the complexities of motherhood, mental health, and unwavering faith. Through candid conversations, Megan and Yvette reveal the strength derived from their relationship with God and each other, providing listeners with powerful insights into overcoming life's challenges with grace and spirituality.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of a strong, faith-based relationship in navigating personal and familial struggles.
- Recognizing and addressing mental health issues with the support of community and professional help.
- Modeling humility, accountability, and repentance as foundational lessons for children.
- Trusting in God’s plan and the power of prayer and Scripture in maintaining spiritual resilience.
Notable Quotes Recap:
- "I always wanted more [from God], and my heart really wanted to know Him." — Yvette [12:08]
- "I felt like I couldn't get through. I want you to understand that this is not the time to be hard on her. It's the time to just love her through it." — Yvette [50:08]
- "You need community so that you could really have people to help you." — Yvette [61:23]
- "Everything I do is guided by a relationship with Him because they belong to Him." — Yvette [38:37]
- "He is a keeper, He is a keeper." — Megan [83:57]
This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of faith, the complexities of parent-child relationships, and the transformative journey of overcoming adversity through divine guidance and unwavering love.