Author Unites God and Super Moms

Nowadays, busy moms struggle to attain an unrealistic Super Mom image. Along the way, there’s one big element in their lives Mount Pleasant author Joanne Ellison fears many mothers overlook.

“In a family, moms are the hub of the wheel, and they feel intense pressure to be Super Moms,” Ellison said. “But they have to make space for God.”

Ellison, a mom of three adult children, is finding a new career spreading the message that busy moms shouldn’t neglect their relationship with God. Ellison’s Christian study guides, Bible reading guides, online classes and in-person workshops are spreading that message.

“I tell them that just going to church on Sunday is not enough,” Ellison said. “It’s a shallow drink of water, and by the end of the week they leak.”

Ellison’s workshops and books guide women – and even some men – on techniques to bring God into their lives in quick doses that sustain them between worship services. She’s conducted that Bible-study program for 11 years.

“Moms aren’t asking for another thing to put on their to-do list,” Ellison said. “There’s this idea that it’s so complicated, but it’s the easiest thing you can do.”

So far, her message has been well received. She has traveled the country on speaking tours, her website has garnered thousands of visitors and her weekly workshops at in Mount Pleasant draw groups of 200 or more women. The workshops are held each Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Old Village church. The classes and course materials are also available on her website.

Ellison’s third book, “Making Mary Peace in a Martha World,” will be published in 2012. The title refers to the Biblical story of the two sisters. Martha busied herself with house cleaning and preparing dinner while Mary sat and enjoyed the company of their guest, Jesus.

Ellison thinks her message is unique enough to spread beyond the Charleston area.

Having spoken to some 5,000 women in person over the past two decades, Ellison's books, CDs, DVDs and original curriculum have taken her messages worldwide.

“I think this message could have an impact on millions of women,” Ellison said. “Christian women are constantly trying to find the balance between being a good ‘Martha’ and a good ‘Mary.’ When we realize that to be a better Martha we must be first a better Mary, something clicks."

Ellison, 58, a grandmother to 10 children, had an early career as a social worker. When she had her own family, she stayed home to care for her children. As her kids moved away, she became more and more active in the ministry.

Her non-profit, Drawing Near to God, has published 12 Bible study guides, written by Ellison, as well as a popular 365-day Bible devotional, which is available online and in Charleston-area bookstores.

The wife of cardiologist Dr. Blount Ellison, she comes from a family of physicians. Her father is noted Charleston cardiologist, Dr. Peter Gazes.

“I think God had this as my life plan all along,” Ellison said. “I remember my dad telling me that he worked on the physical heart while I worked on the spiritual heart.”

What:
Weekly Bible study titled The Book of James: Attaining Spiritual Maturity including live music, small group discussion, teaching by Joanne Ellison and prayer

When:
Sept. 15-Nov. 17 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Where:

440 Whilden Street
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Learn More and Register:
DrawingNearToGod.com/Bible-Study/Semesters.