Roses in Winter: Trusting God Through Burdens, Waiting & Hope

In this special Advent mini-retreat, I invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and enter a sacred space of reflection in the midst of a busy season. Through the story of St. Juan Diego and the tender guidance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we journey into the heart of Advent, a place where longing meets love, where burdens are held by heaven, and where hope begins to bloom even in the barren places of our lives.

I share my own experience of walking through deep grief, unanswered prayers, and the painful end of my 35-year marriage. It has been a season that became fertile ground for unexpected healing and the voice of God whispering in the silence. These roses can be part of your advent season too!

🌹 The rose of longing — the desires we hold deep within
🌹 The rose of presence — the God who sees us even in the dark
🌹 The rose of testimony — how God meets us in our wounds
🌹 The rose of mission — the call that grows from our healing

This is an invitation to acknowledge the struggle, release the burden, and trust the God who brings roses forth in winter, often where we least expect them.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach and founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. She accompanies midlife women through divorce, grief, and major life transitions, helping them encounter God’s healing and rediscover their purpose.