She almost walked away.
As conversations turned toward self-worth and the lies we often believe about ourselves, one mom withdrew. The weight she had been carrying long before she arrived that morning suddenly felt too heavy to hide. She was navigating difficult circumstances in her own life, and the invitation to examine her story touched wounds that were still tender.
No one rushed her. And no one expected her to have it all together.
They simply made room.
By the end of the day, tears had turned into a smile, and pulling away became joining in. The same woman who had struggled to receive kindness that morning found herself sitting at the henna station, allowing someone else to care for her. Henna is a natural plant-based dye used to create temporary designs on the skin. The paste is applied to the skin, where it stains the outer layer, leaving a design that typically lasts one to three weeks.
She wasn’t the only one who needed that reminder.
In late May, 13 moms in Cincinnati programming stepped away from the responsibilities waiting at home and gathered for a day created just for them. They shared breakfast and lunch, participated in restorative yoga, reflected on their God-given worth, and visited self-care stations designed to encourage rest, conversation, and connection.
For many of these women, the monthly moms’ group has grown into something much more than a program. It is their community. It’s where they share what is difficult vulnerably. They encourage one another and learn healthy ways to care for themselves, even in the middle of challenges.
The day continued, and something beautiful became clear: the children Back2Back serves aren’t the only ones carrying heavy stories.
Their parents are, too.
Just as children are learning to heal from past hurts and discover hope for the future, their mothers are doing the same. They are untangling the lies they’ve believed about themselves and learning who they are in God. Together, they are taking courageous steps toward healing.
Before a single mom walked through the door that morning, an entire community had already been preparing a place for her. Three local churches partnered, donating the space, meals, decorations, and gifts that made the retreat possible. Long before the conversations began, these women had already been shown something powerful:
You matter. You are worth showing up for.
Because restoring childhood isn’t just about caring for children. Sometimes it begins by reminding a mother that she is seen, deeply loved, and worthy of receiving care herself.
