But everywhere I went, everyone I encountered and everything that I read kept leading me to younger women. In our study of Gideon we are learning that waiting until we feel totally equipped for our calling is not an option. That God uses us not only in spite of but because of our weaknesses. That when we feel the least adequate is when He is most glorified through us.
So I went to scripture to remind myself of what the older woman is supposed to look like according His word.
"Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior." Titus 2:3-4 MSG
And I put myself out there and they are coming or maybe they have always been there but my eyes were just not open to see them. They are everywhere...in my family, in my church, in social media, daughters of friends, and they are looking for older women who were not raised in this sex crazed, media driven world to show them how to be lovers of husbands and children and to show them that you can still dress cute and be virtuous and that the love of pinterest inspired homes and holidays must first start with learning to keep your home.
Am I totally ready? Do I have it all together? In my flesh, certainly not but the One who called me is and so like Gideon I will venture forward with the unlikely tools he has given me and I will make myself available because now more than ever, this world is in dire need of obedient (not perfect) older women.
xo, Patty
I'm joining the following links today...
Faith Filled Friday
Bible Love Notes
This is just what I needed today Patty! After our move in June I joined a Bible study for young wives and mothers. It was through a group like this that I came to Christ years ago and I felt it was time to give back. It has been rough for me. The young ladies don't seem to know what to do with me. I keep hearing that whisper in my ear, they can't relate to you, you don't dress young enough, they won't like you. I'm smart enough to know that this isn't the Holy Spirit but it can be discouraging. What struck me in your post is what you said about not waiting until you feel ready, that I won't have it all together but the One who called me does and will equip me to do the job at hand. A handful of ladies from the group last year left their husbands. Oh how I pray God will use me to stop another one from doing so. Thank you, thank you, thank you! xoxo
ReplyDeletePatty,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love the photos that go with this post. I love those red shoes!!!
As I have become that "older woman" I have come to realize that my role is very important. I had no idea that so many of my daughter's friends looked up to me. It has only been revealed in these past couple of years, as they are all now mom's and wives, and such. So many of them have blessed me beyond words, by telling me how much they looked up to me, and wanted to model their own family lives like ours is/was, when they were spending time with our family growing up. What we do, what we say, how we react....it is all being watched and taken in, by someone, somewhere.
xo Kris
Patty, Thank you for this posting this.. I needed this reminder .. It is hard for some of us to accept the fact that we are now an older woman and to learn to embrace it gracefully! bless you..
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post and a wonderful reminder for us older women. thank you.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post, Patty, and I love those cute brown shoes. I am going to a seminar tomorrow entitled "The Autumn Woman", and it is all about embracing our age. Aging gracefully is what I strive for, without botox!!! xo
ReplyDeleteyou touched my heart today...and it's smiling.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. I often pray for opportunities to encourage younger women. I'm sure you'll do well in that role.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post! I do not think we are ever ready to be "her". But think about it....we have been getting prepared our entire life as we have always been older than someone. As I read your post, the thought hit me that we would not be lied to thinking that we are not prepared. We can do this in & through His equipping us. I visited from Bible Love Notes this morning.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed weekend!
Joanne
PS - I love the photos you included in this post!!!
What a beautiful post. Because I am now the 'older woman' in my life your words touched my heart.
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me, and I am one of the older women too, as you said, obedient but not perfect. I will look to see if someone younger wants a mentor, and I know I will learn equally from them.
ReplyDeleteI must add a 2d comment to say cute and comfy shoes!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, cute shoes! I have begun to feel the same pull to mentor some of the younger women. it's hard to think that I have any special wisdom to offer, more like life experience and what it has taught me about faith and living...guess that counts as some kind of wisdom! Lol, Thanks for a thought provoking post:>)
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder of how important it is to be an example to the younger generation. I know we are starting to sound like our mothers now, but.............man, it's sure not the same world anymore. evil beyond imagination. Thanks for the encouraging word and the cute pictures.
ReplyDelete