Women Mentoring Women
In three decades of ministry, I've watched godly women invest in
others. For example, Shirley, the wife of a leader for the Voice of
America, has guided young women throughout the world during her
husband's short-term assignments to many countries. She has been
particularly strong in motivating women to use their gifts through their
local churches.
Christie,
whose life experiences, common sense, and deep faith make her a strong
resource for hurting women, has made herself available to any woman who
needs a listening ear and a friend dedicated to prayer.
My own wife, Pam, invests in younger women. Her mentoring style is simply to hang out regularly with the same group of women. It's been amazing to witness the life issues she's been invited to address during a meal, a shopping adventure, or a living room conversation.
For some women who've been unable to conceive, Mother's Day is a painful reminder of grief. Churches sometimes unintentionally compound this pain through insensitivity. If you know a woman who's struggling with infertility, perhaps you can connect her with another who's faced the same issue victoriously.
Another option is to help her network with others who've adopted. In either case, be a supportive sister in Christ.
Other women face Mother's Day knowing their own mothers are growing feeble. Caring for aging parents is complex. Decisions about medical care, legal issues, finances, driving, and housing can be overwhelming, especially if a parent is battling dementia. Carrying that burden as a caregiver is lighter, though, when someone who's already walked the path offers wisdom and solace.
Short-term life stage mentoring is invaluable. The only training needed is life experience. The primary cost is time. The required skills are listening and talking. A potential mentee is anyone crossing a bridge you've already crossed.
Ask God to direct you to someone who will welcome life-stage support. You may discover a relationship that becomes lifelong.
This article is courtesy of More Living Magazine.
Christie,
whose life experiences, common sense, and deep faith make her a strong
resource for hurting women, has made herself available to any woman who
needs a listening ear and a friend dedicated to prayer.My own wife, Pam, invests in younger women. Her mentoring style is simply to hang out regularly with the same group of women. It's been amazing to witness the life issues she's been invited to address during a meal, a shopping adventure, or a living room conversation.
Life Stage Mentoring
Opportunities for women to mentor other women abound. For example, mothers will benefit from intentional life stage mentoring that guides them through the stages of motherhood. The young mother raising her first preschooler often yearns for the advice of another who's walked that path. That inquisitive preschooler will someday bring new challenges as a daring teenager, and the mother whose patience may be stretched will, without doubt, need support.For some women who've been unable to conceive, Mother's Day is a painful reminder of grief. Churches sometimes unintentionally compound this pain through insensitivity. If you know a woman who's struggling with infertility, perhaps you can connect her with another who's faced the same issue victoriously.
Another option is to help her network with others who've adopted. In either case, be a supportive sister in Christ.
Other women face Mother's Day knowing their own mothers are growing feeble. Caring for aging parents is complex. Decisions about medical care, legal issues, finances, driving, and housing can be overwhelming, especially if a parent is battling dementia. Carrying that burden as a caregiver is lighter, though, when someone who's already walked the path offers wisdom and solace.
Short-term life stage mentoring is invaluable. The only training needed is life experience. The primary cost is time. The required skills are listening and talking. A potential mentee is anyone crossing a bridge you've already crossed.
Ask God to direct you to someone who will welcome life-stage support. You may discover a relationship that becomes lifelong.
This article is courtesy of More Living Magazine.
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