Apr
25
2023
That Kind Of Encouragement
Posted in Discipleship 2 Comments
There are nine of them.
Nine young moms in a Bible study group.
Nine young moms I lead in discussion.
Nine young moms who are in my phone contacts with praying hands next to their name.
We have been together for two years of Bible study.
They all have young children.
If truth be told, the total number of children far outnumber us.
We have all grown so close as our lives are shared.
Our text thread is vibrant.
There have been prayer requests in real time, where we have seen God answer.
We rejoice with each other and weep with each other.
I love these young moms.
One of them is expecting her second child in a few months.
There was a sprinkle shower for her in my home.
It was a joyful morning of fellowship.
I got up early and prepared food for us to eat together.
When they all arrived, one of the young moms spoke as we stood around the kitchen island.
This is just like coming home from college when Mom made special food for us!
They all laughed and agreed, since their college days are much closer than mine.
Another chimed in, Well, you ARE the Mom of our group!
It was a compliment that warmed my heart.
I am a mother to my own five children.
However, I am like a mom to these nine women.
A seasoned mom.
We laughed at our attempt to take a picture with a selfie stick.
There I am standing behind these young women.
Two of them have their hands on the belly of the one who will deliver her precious baby soon.
There I am, the Mom of the group.
The title of seasoned mom or mom of the group is a noble title.
It means I have lived life.
I have walked where these young moms are now walking.
I have experienced many of the things they are experiencing now.
It does not mean I am an expert.
It does not mean I have done things perfectly.
It just means I am seasoned.
I have learned from mistakes and can now share that knowledge with those coming after me.
There is something so wonderful about coming alongside.
There is something so tender about someone pouring themselves into other young lives.
There is something so beneficial about being able to ask questions of someone older than us.
There is something so meaningful about being vulnerable in a safe, loving environment.
Young moms need to be encouraged.
It is difficult out there.
School choices, raising children, and cultural influences weigh heavily on a mother’s heart.
There needs to be a place to talk, and question, and know that you are heard.
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. (Titus 2:3-5)
If we older women do our job right, this model will be passed on to the next generation.
Soon, the young women will become the older women.
The young moms will be the seasoned moms.
They will be the ones pouring themselves into the lives of others.
Walking alongside.
Mentoring.
Encouraging.
Discipling.
The picture we took with the selfie stick was shared.
Comments were read and appreciated.
A comment, by one of the moms who could not come that day, touched my heart.
She said that I was a spiritual mother and friend.
What joy.
What a privilege.
Just as it should be.
The older women teaching the younger women.
We all need that kind of encouragement.
Gina what a privilege you have to mentor young women. The love of the lord shines in your eyes and the words of your mouth encourage others. Hesed
Nancy,
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you for your encouragement.
Blessings,
Gina