Where did the time go? Was it not just yesterday that I was in high school and dating my beloved? It undoubtedly wasn’t that long ago that we walked down that aisle or when we brought home our babies from the hospital. I heard, with half an ear, “time goes by so fast when they are young.” You know, every day runs into the next, one diaper runs into the next one. Fatigue, overwhelming emotions and the stress of being a momma can be, well, challenging. One dreams of the day that one has some time to herself. You know it, that day comes, and your children are independent or out of the house. I better be careful, or I can think life has passed me by!
Women can be either the best source of encouragement or a source of angst. Ladies, let’s be honest, we live in a world where we are taught to be competitive, and we all can succumb to comparing ourselves to others. We judge ourselves by what others are wearing, how their children behave or frankly, how perfect our ‘church faces’ are on just ‘so.’ Too long we focus on what doesn’t matter while allowing what does, slip away. We could stop fighting mommy wars, political debates and our own prideful need to always be right all the time only bring a chasm which is hard to maneuver.
A BETTER WAY
Our society, and sadly, in the church, anyone who has grown into middle age or even older, are seen as disposable people but what if we took the Word for all its wisdom?
Titus 2 : 1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” (ESV)
Ok, gals, before you tune me out. Before you throw up your hands in protest exclaiming that passage is outdated, not for today and just plain legalistic, let me explain. Yes, I will give you, many have twisted this verse to keep ‘women’ in line or in their place. These truths ought not to be discarded because of misunderstandings and bad doctrine. Being reverent in behavior, refraining from being gossips, free from addictions and able to teach what is good is a sign of a spiritually mature person. It’s what it takes to mentor another. Teachers and mentors instruct others in the truths of Scripture such as loving God and others. To be submissive to their husbands if married, and both submissive ultimately to Christ.
A Minor Rant
Please do not run because the ‘s word’ has been quoted. Submission is not a sign of weakness nor limited only to women only. Submission is a not a dirty word. It means to come under authority, in this case, under Christ. If we read in the whole of scripture, one will find that husbands, also, are called to submit and obey. (Submission, doesn’t mean weakness but a willingness to love and put their needs before our own. And this is not limited to women. Rant over)
But, with that said, ladies, what if we, who are stronger in our faith, taught those who are young in their faith? Please take note ( this is not tied to physical age ..insert smiley face.) We need each other!
It is time to be ‘real.’ Authenticity matters. It’s time for Mentoring
Let’s be real. Shed the ‘church mask’ because authenticity matters.
What if we ended the whole ‘age segregation’ practice and cliques can be the killer of true wisdom and friendships. Women teaching other women (not necessarily based on age but based on wisdom) is foundational to the joy of mentoring. Walking this life together is part of the plan. We are called to be women of the Word, and we need other women to grow deep spiritually. Finding authentic relationships through mentoring leaves an eternal mark and rewards are countless.
I am cordially inviting you to join a group of women who walk life together? Join His Beloved Jewels Chat
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I am blessed to hear from you! Please take a moment to share what you look for in a mentor!
in His love,
