A Letter to the Daughter Learning to Be Little and Dependent on the Father // Heather Khym

Welcome to the Letters to Daughters season! . I love the line from Saint Pope John Paul II’s original Letter to Women: “Thank you, women who are daughters and women who are sisters! Into the heart of the family, and then of all society, you bring the richness of your sensitivity, your intuitiveness, your generosity and fidelity.”

This season, we’re exploring what living out the feminine genius in this vocation of daughter -- daughters to our Heavenly father as well as daughter within our human families. 

My guest today is Heather Kym. For years, I’ve loved learning about the importance of story, identity, and healing from Heather. Whether that’s reading books she’s written or listening to her in conversation with friends over on the Abiding Together podcast, I’m so excited for this conversation to not only start of this new season of Letters to Daughters, but also to start off this liturgical season of Advent. 

So, if you’re ready for encounter the Lord in a new way as we prepare for Christmas, sister, this letter is for you. 

Topics we cover:

• Heather’s story as a Catholic woman and her story of living the paschal mystery of dying and rising

• A brand new Advent journal and meditation collection Heather wrote called Encountering Emmanuel

• How to recognize areas of self-reliance in our lives and what it looks like practically to open ourselves up to God’s life and power

• How Heather’s journey of healing has impacted the way she views God as Father and herself as His beloved daughter

• Heather’s advice for listeners who struggle in their relationship with Mary and have a desire to grow in relationship with her this Advent

• Why it’s crucial that we don’t miss sitting at the feet of Jesus this Advent and how to practically be with the Lord in this season

• How Heather lives out the feminine genius in her ordinary, daily life as a daughter of God

Resources for you:

• ⁠Heather’s new Advent journal, Encountering Emmanuel⁠

• ⁠The pause app that John Eldridge created to help you create a habit of coming into God’s presence throughout the day⁠

• ⁠The Abiding Together podcast⁠

• ⁠Visit Heather on Instagram⁠

Discussion questions:

1. Jesus wants to come right now into every moment and situation you find yourself in. Where do you long for him to show up in your life this Advent?

2. In what ways do you rely on yourself and reject the providence of the Father? Do you trust Him to provide everything you need?

3. Heather mentioned the importance of becoming little and dependent in our relationship with the Lord. What is your first reaction to that statement? Would you describe yourself as little and dependent in your relationship with the Lord?

4. What is your relationship with Mary like? Do you have a desire to grow in relationship with her this Advent?

5. What is one practical way that you can make a plan to simply be with the Lord this Advent?