Jesus With Skin On

Who are the women in your life who inspire you? Ellen Mongan shares examples of holy women in her life who helped lead her heavenward! 

Holy women inspire us

Who are the holy women in your life who inspire you? These women of faith become models for you to follow. They become our spiritual directors, mentors, confidants, and friends. As we walk humbly with our Lord, we are inspired by their words and deeds. Their advice changes us, and their presence stirs our faith. To walk close to God's heart, surround yourself with holy women. As my mentor, Karen Swenson, used to say, “Choose friends who lead you heavenward.” 

God taught me many years ago to ask Him to choose my friends. Maybe it was because I was always the new girl, moving almost yearly until high school. God sees the heart and knows what we need. Each friend has taught me lessons that have formed me in my faith walk. God has always been faithful in giving me the best when I leave the choice to Him. 

One day, it came time to pray the Our Father at daily Mass. I took my friend's hand on either side of me as we recited the words to the prayer together. Opening my eyes as we prayed, I focused on their hands. Before me were hard-working hands. On my right was Judy, a mother of seven and my prayer partner. On my left was Sue, a mother of eight and my first friend when I moved to Georgia. These two holy women God had chosen to be my lifelong friends for over thirty years. Sue, Judy, and I prayed, fellowshipped, and raised babies together.  

These women became a lifeline to me when things were tough, and they rejoiced with me when life was good. In our homes, life was quite similar. We were all changing diapers, doing dishes, cooking, cleaning, and living our vocation as mothers and wives. We were carpool moms with our lipstick on. Our lights did not go out at night as there was always more to do. Their example and love got me through many trials, including the death of our baby Zachary, postpartum depression, and my crazy busy life. They continue to inspire, teach, and be there when I need them. 

The Great Cloud of Witnesses: the saints 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2a) 

I picture the saints surrounding us with their prayers, cheering us on each day. We all have our favorite saints whom we call upon to intercede for us. We aspire to imitate and follow in their footsteps when we read about them.  

Jesus with skin on

Might I suggest that God also wants to give us holy women who cheer us on, pray for us, and walk beside us? My friend, Sue Stenger, would pray, “Yes, I know you are with me, Lord, but sometimes I need Jesus, with skin on.”  

Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one finds a treasure. (Sirach 6:14)

When I committed to full-time ministry, I sheltered in and became quite the hermit. I closed my heart and door to people to give myself entirely to God. Then, when I moved to Georgia, I became a part of a charismatic community. It was eye-opening to know that part of following Jesus was surrounding yourself with people who loved Him. The sisters I mentioned, Judy, Sue, Sue, and Karen, were all community members. On my journey in Christ, God has given me many holy friends who eventually become faithful sisters. Even though my husband will always be my best friend, sometimes you need a sister. 

Who are your friends?

Remember those friends who call you on and lead you heavenward. These holy women become "Jesus with skin on" when you need a hug, a listening ear, a word of advice, or even a pat on the back. They never tire of you repeating the same story. They are not jealous when you speak about what God has done for you. When you share about your children’s accomplishments, they jump for joy because they love your children, too. When you are down or sick, they send a card that speaks to your heart. 

A friend is always a friend, but adversity makes a sister. These holy women know you better than you know yourself. They reach out a hand to pull you out when you have fallen into a pit, and you are willing to do the same for them. 

May God inspire us constantly through the saints. In addition, may He give us the grace to see the holy women in our lives who inspire us. May we surround ourselves with those who lead us heavenward. They are to us ‘Jesus with Skin on.’ 

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Copyright 2025 Ellen Mongan
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