Spring Follows from Winter

As Lent begins, Alexis Dallara-Marsh struggles to persevere in a postpartum season that includes spiritual dryness and confusion. 

Winter Is Not Forever 

As mothers we encounter many trials. The postpartum period can be one of loneliness and complicated by physical as well as mental fatigue. In the 21st century where women commonly hold themselves to a high and at times unrealistic perfectionistic standard, this can be even more severe.  

Recently I gave birth to my fourth living child, and even while I am so blessed to have a community of mothers to support me with meals, gifts, and visits, I have struggled so much with spiritual dryness and confusion. I have felt unable to get ahead of all the household tasks as well as caring for my multiple family members. The feeling of helplessness has been overwhelming, exacerbated by the cold and the short amount of sunlight during daytime hours. It has felt like a winter that is not ending. Trying to persist has been difficult, to say the least. 

Blossom in Spring 

During times of struggles, I try to recognize that God calls out loudest in our times of trouble. In times of loneliness where we may question “Where are you, Lord?” we must recall that God is always with us through His beloved Son Christ Jesus, who suffered and died for us. Christ has come down to live the human experience, both its joys and its sorrows. His forty days in the desert are only the beginning of this great sacrifice. 

Love One Another 

While we are all aware this is the greatest commandment, carrying it out can just be so physically hard. Often I don't even know how to begin the next steps of carrying this out, and it is as if I need a step-by-step instruction manual to follow. It is a formidable task, and as a sinner I recognize my weakness day after day. I can be so full of very easily set-off frustration and anxiety.  

I know I struggle with loving my neighbor, whether stranger or closest of family, as myself. I fall again and again, but must get back up. If, however, I can try my best to keep going and follow Him, life is like a flower waiting to blossom, bringing eventual peace and comfort to all around it. 

Seek Foundation in God  

As Pope Benedict XVI explained,

The mysterious God is not infinite loneliness, he is an event of love. ... The Son who speaks to the Father exists, and they are both one in the Spirit, who constitutes, so to speak, the atmosphere of giving and loving which makes them one God. (Homily, June 6, 2006)

Through Christ, God shows that His love for us surpasses all. Through the trinity, God truly IS love, as God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all co-exist in abounding love for the world.   

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Copyright 2025 Alexis Dallara-Marsh
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