"...the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5
It’s quite obvious from this passage that
as “older” (ahem) women, we are to behave in a certain way…reverent, etc. Why?
Because we are an example. Like
it or not. In our spheres of influence, wherever
that may be…home, church, home, school, grocery store, home, our neighborhood, other
women are watching. You can bet on it.
I have a couple of younger moms at church,
who I know watch my children. My
children are teenagers now, but they are well-behaved, courteous, and helpful. And people see that. Others want to know “how we did it.” It’s an example to them…a goal to shoot
for.
Are my kids perfect? No. Am I
perfect? No. But they are certainly welcome to follow me
as I follow HIM….mistakes and all. And honestly,
sometimes the mistakes are the best teachers.
For over 17 years, I’ve done just
that. I’ve followed. I’ve watched.
I’ve taken notes. This is my
example….
This is J.
She is about the best example of a wife and mom I know. Only recently did we tell her and her husband
that they were the models we used for our parenting. They didn’t even know we were taking notes
and implementing strategies, based on what we saw them do. How many younger couples are watching me, that I don't even know about? Wowza! That's a big responsibility!
And ohhhhh how she loves her husband! I think they just celebrated 25 years, and
you would think they are but newlyweds….seriously! I desire that as well...
All that to say this….we need each
other. We need to have mentors and to be
mentors. My prayer is that I could do
just that…have and be a mentor. How about you?
♥Lori
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5 comments:
Such a good reminder that we are mentors whether we plan to be or not...younger women are watching us and either learning good things or not so good! And I'm sure your mentor is blessed to be recognized too.
Gail (BibleLoveNotes.com)
Taking the time to raise your family is quite important. And, being an example as you love God is paramount. We never know who is watching us but should always be aware that HE sees all. Thanks for the reminder.
I stopped by from Wifey Wednesday.
We may not always be aware that people are watching us but we should know that HE sees everything we do. It is wonderful to have Godly women to mentor us and to take the time to mentor others. Thanks for the reminder.
I stopped by from Wifey Wednesday.
This is so true. I think we've really gotten away from this - especially the part about older women instructing the younger women on how to be good wives and mothers. With women's changing roles in society, emphasis is no longer placed in the area of our roles in the family. Because of that, I find that a lot of young wives really struggle in areas like homemaking and submission.
I am a young wife and mother, but I've started to try to make a conscious effort to be a godly example to my daughter and the teenage girls in my church. I don't think I ever tried to do this intentionally until recently, so I'm guilty as well! Thanks for the reminder!!
You know I love this! I haven't considered the part that you focused in on: the example we set as a mentor. People are indeed watching even when we don't know it. We may not "officially" be in a mentoring role, but we are definitely mentoring.
Thanks for linking up!
Mary Beth @newlifesteward
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