It’s not just in the workplace that we face role conflict, but within all areas of life – and perhaps especially at the point at which the different areas of our lives meet. Nor is it always a third party – another person – who places these pressures upon us; it is just as likely that role conflict arises from expectations we place on ourselves or from a desire to conform to overlapping societal and cultural “norms” – for instance, to have a successful career and a happy family.

This week, the church remembers the birth of Mary, the mother of God; who is also the Blessed Virgin Mary – someone who embodies the ultimate role conflict. 

What can the example of Mary teach us about the conflicting roles we embody? 

Listen or download this week’s Start:Stop reflection above or read the transcript at this link. 

(Image : The Virgin in Prayer by Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato, 1640-1650)

Full title: The Virgin in Prayer
Artist: Sassoferrato
Date made: 1640-50
Source: http://www.nationalgalleryimages.co.uk/
Contact: picture.library@nationalgallery.co.uk
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