The “Nudge” of Purpose

by Mimi Matthews

Sometimes we don’t even realize we have a dream or purpose. But when we experience “nudges”, whatever their source, if we don’t follow them we may miss out on something truly amazing!

I’m sharing this story because March 2025 marked its five-year anniversary. I am still in awe of the whole experience.

In March of 2020 (yes, the year that was!), while I was praying about the COVID-19 virus that was overtaking our country and the world, I felt led to start praying for unborn babies and the mamas who carried them. I posted on Facebook what I was doing; asking my friends to please let me know if they knew of anyone who was pregnant. Well, they did, and that list grew to 165 names!

Things got a bit crazy so to keep things straight I made a spreadsheet with the mom’s name, due date, and then delivery dates and baby names. Many of my friends joined me in praying for these precious babies and their mamas. When a baby (or babies—we had four sets of twins and one set of triplets) was born, I announced their birth and what number they were on Facebook and everyone rejoiced.

The miracle: all were born healthy without either the mama or the baby contracting Covid!

And here is what else happened (God does not waste an opportunity!), as shared by those in the #prayingforthebabies community:

• Primarily, it brought us together as a community, creating a connection between us during one of the most isolating, chaotic, and fearful of times.

• “Warrior Women” all across Facebook united to pray for and support these babies.

• We focused on others, not on the virus, and on something positive, rather than the negativity around us.

• We were being reminded daily that there are “others” out there and we are not alone.

• Doing this gave us hope, and it was wonderful to focus on new life.

• And it helped our own spirit to pray for someone else, to have a purpose.

I was not naïve, knowing that even in the best of circumstances sometimes babies are born with problems, and there were a few non-Covid-related ones. But in faith we prayed that these babies would be healthy, that they would be protected from the virus, that their mamas would feel peace and calm, that all of their physical needs would be met, and that there would be joy in the home and family.

The first birth was in March and they extended through September, at which point I wasn’t given any more names. These babies are four-and-five-years old now!!

It was truly an honor to do this and, thankfully, I had the time while sequestered at home. I am encouraging you to follow those nudges which may lead to a fulfilling purpose. If I had not, I would have missed out on this incredible experience.

Here are a few “praise report” posts:

Zoe, born five weeks early, in an ambulance, during a pandemic. Now that’s a miracle! #91

Precious Leena is here! This is the breech baby we prayed for. God is good. #102

Please pray for mama Ashlie and her baby who were in a car accident. Update: both are fine!

A mama I’m praying for was exposed to Covid. Six co-workers tested positive—but not her!

Triplets! Welcome miracles #75 boy, #76 boy, and #77 girl to our world.

If you’d like to read the posts on Facebook just search #prayingforthebabies.

Mimi Matthews is in the “encouragement business” as the owner of Empowordment Cards by Mimi. She is also a speaker, workshop leader, writer, and our editor. Visit her shop at www.etsy.com/shop/ EmPOWordmentCards and her blog at www.particularpassions.me.