S4 E9: Enough as You Are: The Invitation of Proverbs 31

Does reading Proverbs 31 ever leave you feeling inspired... or discouraged? In this episode of Voices, Mary Jo Kerlin and Bev Hanson reflect on the famous portrait of the Proverbs 31 woman and explore what it means for ordinary women navigating family life, friendships, work, aging, and faith. Rather than seeing Proverbs 31 as an impossible standard to achieve, they discover it as an invitation to embrace the unique gifts God has given each of us. Through a thoughtful conversation about comparison, self-worth, and God's unconditional love, they remind us that holiness is not about doing it all. It is about becoming the person God created us to be and using our hands, hearts, and lives to bring goodness into the world.

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Mary Jo was born and raised in a small farming community in Northwest Ohio. She attended the University of Toledo upon her high school graduation. Midland has been her home now for the past 40 years. Most of her time here has been spent volunteering and spending time with family. She is grief facilitator, Spiritual Director, a “friendly visitor” at Senior Services, and leads a group of wise women through exercise movements at the therapy pool at My Michigan Health. She is over-the-moon in love with her one-year-old granddaughter, Ruby, who resides in Minneapolis, MN. Mary Jo loves to sew, read, journal, walk her dog, Roxie and spend time with her ninety-one year old mom who resides in Ohio.

For 34 years, Bev has been blessed to be part of the Blessed Sacrament family. Her children, who are now grown, attended school here, and over the years her involvement has grown into a meaningful journey of faith and witnessing firsthand the importance of giving back.

She began by volunteering in the classrooms and school office and later served in church flower care, as a youth ministry leader, and as a hospitality minister. As she discerns where I am being called to serve in this next chapter, she finds herself drawn to opportunities that allow her to help in meaningful ways without requiring a long-term commitment.

Currently, she is part of an evening small faith group, providing a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the coming Sunday's liturgy in a more personal and reflective way.

She and her husband, Matt, will celebrate 50 years of marriage in 2027—so grateful for the many blessings, friendships, and memories that have been part of their journey!