Jenna Rydelek

Dear C-Section Mom, I know they’ve said it before—that you took the “easy way out.” But they weren’t there. They didn’t see it. They don’t know. They didn’t see you lying there under those bright, sterile lights, with your arms strapped down and your heart racing faster than the monitors could keep up. They didn’t feel the cold of the room or the weight of the fear pressing down on your chest as tears streamed quietly into your ears—tears you tried to hide, because you didn’t want anyone to know how scared you really were. They weren’t there in that moment, the one no one talks about when you were wheeled into that operating room alone. No loved ones. No hand to hold. No comforting voice. Just you, a team of strangers in scrubs, and a kind of silence that only fear can create. You were alone in the room where your child would take their first breath… until the last possible minute, when they finally let your partner join you. They didn’t hear the whispers of the medical team, or the silent prayers you whispered between clenched teeth—begging God to keep you and your baby safe. To bring you both through this alive. They didn’t feel the deep tugging as your body was opened, through seven layers. They didn’t feel your soul leave your body when your baby was lifted from your womb, but your arms couldn’t hold them. Not yet. They didn’t see you glance through the clear curtain, desperate for one glimpse of that tiny face, longing for skin-to-skin, aching for connection while your body was being stitched back together. They weren’t in recovery, where you waited to feel your legs again… waited to hold your baby… waited to feel whole. They didn’t hear the cries in the dark—not just your baby’s, but yours too—as the anesthesia wore off and the reality set in: you were in pain, exhausted, and still… you had a child to care for. They didn’t see the blood. They didn’t see you wince with every breath, every shift, every step. They didn’t see you try to nurse through the burning fire of an incision that screamed every time you leaned forward. They didn’t see the nurse pressing your abdomen so hard you could hardly breathe—trying to get your uterus to shrink while you held back screams. They didn’t see you get up for the first time, gripping the side of the bed, shaking as you stood, a catheter dangling behind you—because that’s what they don’t tell you: you don’t walk out of a C-section, you crawl your way back to life. And just when your body cried for rest, you were handed the most beautiful, fragile, utterly dependent little person and told: now, be a mother. You see, they think there are two kinds of moms: The “natural” ones… and the “other” ones. As if the way your baby came into the world could ever define your worth. As if you somehow didn’t earn your stripes the way they did. But I’m here to tell you: You are not “other.” You are not less. You are not broken. You are not weak. You are a mother who gave everything. You laid down your body, your plans, your comfort, your pride, so that your child could live. There is nothing easy about that. So let the world talk. Let them compare. But let me remind you of this truth: You are no less of a mother. You are no less of a warrior. In fact, you might be more. Because while they call it a scar, you know what it really is: It’s a love letter written in flesh. It’s a reminder that you went to the ends of the earth, into an operating room and you came back with life in your arms. That’s not weakness. That’s not failure. That’s holy. So to every C-section mama reading this: I see you. I honor you. And I will never let anyone forget how brave you are. You didn’t take the easy way out. You took the only way through. And you did it with more strength than most will ever understand. You are absolutely, breathtakingly powerful. #csectiondelivery #csectionawarenessmonth #csectionmom #csectionrecovery #csection #csectionmom #postpartum #postpartumjourney #ppd #birth #laboranddelivery #MomsofTikTok #momsover30

Understanding the Weight of Sin & the Gift of Eternal Life 🫶🏼 This activity is a hands-on way to help children (and adults) understand the weight of sin, the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, and the freedom and eternal life we have because of His resurrection. Instructions: 1. Talk About Sin & Why Jesus Came • Explain that sin separates us from God, but Jesus came to take our sins upon Himself. • Discuss how sin can feel heavy, like carrying a big weight. 2. Write Down Sins on Rocks • Give each person a few rocks. • Ask them to think of sins they have struggled with—things like lying, disobedience, anger, or selfishness. • Have them write one sin per rock as a way of acknowledging it before God. 3. Place the Rocks in the Basket • Explain that just as they are placing their rocks (sins) into the basket, Jesus took all of our sins upon Himself when He went to the cross. • The basket also represents the gift of eternal life that Jesus offers us through His sacrifice. 4. Cover the Basket with a Red Blanket • Lay a red blanket over the basket to symbolize the blood of Jesus. • Explain that His blood doesn’t just cover sin—it washes it away completely. • Read 1 John 1:7: “The blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” 5. The Resurrection & Our Freedom • Remind everyone that Jesus didn’t stay in the grave—on the third day, He rose again! • Just as He overcame sin and death, we too are set free from the weight of sin when we put our faith in Him. • Remove the blanket and take the rocks away, symbolizing how Jesus removes our sins completely. • On Easter, replace rocks with Easter baskets filled with gifts that symbolize the gift of eternal life. • End in prayer, thanking God for His mercy and the gift of salvation. This simple yet powerful activity helps children visualize the burden of sin and the freedom found in Christ. It teaches that no sin is too heavy for Jesus to carry, and through His sacrifice, we are forgiven and made new. The basket serves as a reminder not only of His love and faithfulness but also of the greatest gift of all—eternal life through Him. #easterbasket #familyofgod #easteractivities #momof4kids #jesuslovesyou #jesusisking #easterbasket #christcentered #eastersunday #goodfriday #eastersunday

Christian Easter Shows & Movies for Kids 🫶🏼 All streaming platforms included — perfect for Holy Week screen time! 📌 SAVE this list for easy access! 1. King of Kings (2025 Movie) Streaming: In theaters | Coming soon to Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play Ages: 8+ 2. The Lion of Judah (Animated Movie) Streaming: YouTube, Amazon Prime, Tubi, Apple TV Ages: 6–12 3. Holy Sprouts – Holy Week Streaming: YouTube (@HolySprouts) Ages: 1–5 4. Superbook – “The Last Supper” (Season 1, Episode 9) Streaming: YouTube, Superbook App, CBN Website, Yippee TV Ages: 5–12 5. Superbook – “He Is Risen” (Season 1, Episode 10) Streaming: YouTube, Superbook App, CBN Website, Yippee TV Ages: 5–12 6. The Easter Story – Minno Streaming: Minno Ages: 2–9 7. ‘Twas the Night Before Easter – VeggieTales Streaming: Minno, Pure Flix, Yippee TV, Amazon Prime, DVD Ages: 3–8 8. The Story of Easter – Chosen Kids Streaming: Yippee TV, YouTube (search “Chosen Kids Easter”) Ages: 3–9 9. The Story of Jesus’s Resurrection – Minno Streaming: Minno Ages: 4–10 10. An Easter Carol – VeggieTales Streaming: Minno, Amazon Prime, YouTube (paid), DVD Ages: 3–8 11. Jesus Is Alive Today – Kingdom Kids Music Streaming: YouTube (@KingdomKidsMusic) Ages: 2–7 12. Palm Sunday – Supernatural Kids Streaming: YouTube (search “Palm Sunday Supernatural Kids”) Ages: 3–8 #faithbasedparenting #familyofgod #goodfriday #eastersunday #momof4kids #biblestoriesforkids #christianfamily #homeschoolmom #familyofgod #christiansofinstagram #christiancontent #christiancontentcreator #childofgod #rawmotherhood #christianyoutubers #sahmlife #momlife #mom #biblestories #christianmom #christianmomsofinstagram #christiankids #christianmomlife #holyweek #lastsupper #heisrisen #palmsunday #easteractivitiesforkids #christiantok #faithbased

Super easy DIY St. Patrick’s Day photoshoot! Items linked in bio under LTK and Amazon! #luckycharmsphotoshoot #stpatricksday #stpatricksdayphotoshoot #babysfirststpatricksday #babysfirst #babysmile #athomephotoshoot #diyphotography #iphonephotography #iphonephotoshoot #stpattysday #luckycharm #diymom #momblogger #newbornbaby #newbornphotography #diyphotoshoot #5monthsold #postpartum #doityourself #luckycharms #phototutorial #realmom #momof4kids #diymomma #babybeanie #babyboystyle

At home bubble bath photoshoot! 🫧 #bubblebath #babysfirst #babysmile #athomephotoshoot #diyphotography #iphonephotography #iphonephotoshoot #diymom #momblogger #newbornbaby #newbornphotography #diyphotoshoot #8monthsold #postpartum #doityourself #phototutorial #realmom #momof4kids #diymomma #babyboystyle #bubblebathphotoshoot #bubbles #babybubbles #rubberduck #rubberducky #monarchbutterflies #bubblephotography #newbornphotographer #MomsofTikTok #momtok

These films and shows have truly touched my heart and deepened my faith. Each one offers a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus, bringing His story to life in powerful ways. While all are impactful, @The Chosen holds a special place in my heart and will forever be my number one. Its portrayal of Jesus and His disciples is both intimate and inspiring, making the Gospel feel more real and personal than ever before. Where to Watch: • The Chosen — Angel Studios app, Peacock (earlier seasons), and now streaming new seasons exclusively on Prime Video • House of David — Prime Video • The Passion of the Christ — Netflix • Risen — Hulu • Paul, Apostle of Christ — Netflix, Pluto TV • The Case for Christ — Pure Flix • An Interview with God — Great American Pure Flix on Prime Video I highly recommend watching these with your family or during your personal devotional time. They’ve been a source of inspiration and reflection for me, and I hope they bless you as much as they’ve blessed me. #faithbasedparenting #familyofgod #christianmovies #momof4kids #biblestories #christianfamily #homeschoolmom #familyofgod #christiansofinstagram #christiancontent #christiancontentcreator #childofgod #rawmotherhood #christianyoutubers #sahmlife #momlife #mom #faithbased #christianmom #christianmomsofinstagram #christiankids #christianmomlife #thechosen #houseofdavid #passionofthechrist #christiantiktok #christiangirl #christianmovies