46: Your Missionaries Offering is Sufficient with Travis Stephensen

LDS Missionary Moms

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In this episode, my brother, Travis Stephensen, and I discuss the challenges of letting go of judgment—both toward ourselves and our missionaries. We discuss the negative narratives we often tell ourselves, like “I’m not enough” or “Did I do enough to prepare my child for their mission?” and how these feelings can creep into how we view our kids' progress.

Travis shares insights about the unrealistic standards we set and how they can create a gap between where we are and where we think we should be. We discuss the importance of grace, reframing our meager offerings, and the incredible ways God multiplies what we bring—even if it feels small or imperfect.

We also explore how to support missionaries when they feel they’re not measuring up, offering them validation, permission to feel, and a safe space to share their struggles. Finally, we reflect on how gratitude and grounding can shift our perspective, helping both parents and missionaries find peace in the journey.

Wherever you’re at in your missionary mom experience, remember: your feelings are valid, your efforts matter, and we’re here for all of it—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Let’s embrace the messy middle together!

Mentioned in this episode:

• The power of listening without trying to fix
• God’s “impossible math” with our offerings
• How to normalize emotions for yourself and your missionary

Thank you for being here. Let’s keep putting goodness into the world. 💛

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